3.0 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING PROGRAM 3.1 RECEIVING …€¦ · answers to management questions posed in the SMR MRP. The Receiving Water Monitoring Program is comprised of monitoring

Cities and County of Riverside Volume III – Santa Margarita Region Monitoring Plan Consolidated Monitoring Program July 2014

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3.0 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING PROGRAM

The Receiving Water Monitoring Program is part of a regional effort by the Co-Permittees to implement a watershed-based monitoring program. The program has been designed to comply with the SMR MRP, with emphasis on meeting SMR MRP goals, providing meaningful data, and providing informative answers to management questions posed in the SMR MRP. The Receiving Water Monitoring Program is comprised of monitoring the chemistry, toxicity, stream assessment metrics, and follow-up monitoring. 3.1 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The SMR MRP requires receiving water monitoring at a minimum of six locations: two MLSs, a reference station, and three additional stream assessment monitoring locations (including a stream assessment reference station). Monitoring will be conducted during three wet weather events and two dry weather events. Composite and grab sampling regimes will be used for sample collection during wet weather and dry weather monitoring, respectively. Field measurements will also be taken and stream assessments will be conducted. Samples will be collected in accordance with the SOPs in Appendix D (Clean Hands/Dirty Hands) and Appendix E (Collection of Water and Bed Sediment Samples with Associated Field Measurements and Physical Habitat in California) of CMP Volume II: QAPP. Monitoring is intended to be SWAMP compatible. Composite and grab sample times, in-situ field measurements, and sampling activities and observations will be recorded on a field data sheet in accordance with the procedures detailed in Section 11 of CMP Volume II: QAPP. The Receiving Water Monitoring Program incorporates the following monitoring components:

MLS Wet Weather Monitoring and MLS Dry Weather Monitoring (Sections 3.4 and 3.5) Receiving Water Stream Assessment Monitoring (Section 3.6) Follow-up Analysis and Actions (Section 3.7) Regional Monitoring Programs (Section 3.8) Receiving Water Monitorin Program Analysis Types (Section 3.9) Assessment and Reporting (Annual Reporting, as discussed in Section 7.0 Section 7.3)

The Receiving Water Monitoring Program includes both wet weather and dry weather sampling for chemistry and toxicity as well as comprehensive stream assessment monitoring. The program is designed to be SWAMP compatible. 3.1.1 Receiving Water Monitoring Program Management Questions

The Receiving Water Monitoring Program is designed to monitor pollutants in the receiving waters within the Santa Margarita Hydrologic Unit (HU). The Receiving Water Monitoring Program will address the following core management questions, as stated in the SMR MRP:

1) Are conditions in receiving waters protective, or likely to be protective, of beneficial uses? 2) What is the extent and magnitude of the current or potential receiving water problems (i.e.,

impairments)? 3) What is the relative MS4 discharge contribution to the receiving water problems (i.e.,

impairments)? 4) What are the sources of MS4 discharge that contribute to receiving water problems (i.e.,

impairments)? 5) Are conditions in receiving waters getting better or worse?


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Management questions will be addressed in the Monitoring Annual Report. 3.1.2 Receiving Water Monitoring Program Sampling Summary

Table 3-1 below summarizes requirements for the Receiving Water Monitoring Program:

Table 3-1: Receiving Water Monitoring Program Sampling Summary

Wet / Dry # Events per Year

Station Type

Sample Type Analyses Order

Reference

Wet Weather

3 per station according to

sampling schedule1

Mass Loading Stations (MLS)

Flow-weighted Composite (min. first 3 hrs. of flow)

General Chemistry; Acute and Chronic Toxicity, Flow

SMR MRP §II.A.1 Grab

Bacteria, temperature, pH, specific conductance, BOD (5-day), oil & grease, and TPH (if

a sheen is observed) Field Meter In-situ measurements

Dry Weather

2 per station according to

sampling schedule2

Mass Loading Stations (MLS)

24 hr Time-weighted Composite

General Chemistry, Acute and Chronic Toxicity, Flow

SMR MRP §II.A.1

Grab

Bacteria, temperature, pH, specific conductance, BOD (5-day), oil & grease, and TPH (if

a sheen is observed)

SMR MRP §II.A.1

Field Meter In-situ measurements 1 per station according to

sampling schedule

Stream Assessment

Grabs, Observations, and Field Measurements

Macroinvertebrates, Algae, In-situ measurements

SMR MRP §II.A.2

1Includes the first wet weather event of the year meeting criteria described in 40 CFR 122.21 (g)(7), as practicable. The third wet weather event will be conducted after February 1st annually. Mobilization criteria are presented in Section 3.4.1. 2Dry weather events will be conducted three months apart annually between May 1st and September 30th. If flows are not evident during the second dry weather monitoring event, sampling must be conducted during non-rain events in the following wet season. Stream assessment monitoring will occur in May - June. Mobilization criteria are presented in Section 3.5.1. 3.2 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING STATIONS

A total of six receiving water stations will be monitored under one or more components of the program. However, one reference station will be monitored at Adobe Creek during dry weather and wet weather (in lieu of sampling at Cole Creek, which in drier years has not yielded sufficient flows for successful sampling) during Wet Weather due to the limited accessibility of Adobe Creek during Wet Weather events. The locations are summarized and mapped in Table 3-2 and Figure 3-1, respectively. 3.2.1 Identified Receiving Water Monitoring Stations

The following stations will be monitored during wet weather:

Lower Murrieta Creek (902LMC778) – MLS


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Lower Temecula Creek (902LTC777) – MLS Cole Creek (902COL188) Adobe Creek (902ADB848) – Reference MLS

The following stations will be monitored during dry weather:

Lower Murrieta Creek – MLS Lower Temecula Creek – MLS Adobe Creek (902ADB848) – Reference MLS

The following stations will be monitored during dry weather stream assessment:

Lower Murrieta Creek – MLS Lower Temecula Creek – MLS Adobe Creek – Reference MLS Upper Santa Margarita River (d/s of Murrieta-Temecula Creek confluence) (902USM828) –

Receiving Water Redhawk Channel d/s of Overland Trail (902RDH768) – Receiving Water Pending location TBD Sandia Creek (902SND100) – Reference Receiving Water2

During the SWAMP bioassessment audit conducted in June 2010, SCCWRP and Nautilus Environmental raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of using SWAMP bioassessment collection protocols at the Lower Murrieta Creek MLS. The Co-Permittees will re-evaluate the pertinence of continuing to use the Lower Murrieta Creek site for dry weather monitoring activities, including stream assessment. Re-evaluation by the Co-Permittees of the Lower Murrieta Creek MLS for stream assessments using SWAMP Protocols may result in the determination that an alternate site is necessary for the stream assessment portion of the monitoring program. A summary of this audit was provided to the Regional Board in the 2009-2010 Monitoring Annual Report.3 3.2.2 Monitoring Station Identification

Station IDs are made up of the three digit hydrologic subgroup number, a three letter abbreviation of the station name, and the three digit assigned Hydstra database number. In addition to the MLS receiving water monitoring stations specified in the SMR MRP, one reference station and two stream assessment monitoring locations will be identified. The reference station will be selected according to the protocols in "A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams" by Ode, et al. 2005. Sandia Creek, as recommend by the Regional Board2 has been selected to sufficiently satisfy the requirement for a sixth stream assessment site (reference), "Sandia Creek at Deluz Road is located within the County of Riverside and is the preferred backup stream assessment reference site by the San Diego Water Board. While the site is insufficient to meet reference land use criteria, it was sampled between the years 2000-2005 with Index of Biotic Integrity scores ranging from “Fair” to “Good” and is acceptable to the San Diego Water Board as a reference site."

2 The Sandia Creek site was suggested by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board as the preferred backup stream assessment reference site in a letter to the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District from David Gibson, Executive Officer, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, February 28, 2014 (ID: 749045). 3 2009-2010 Santa Margarita Region Annual Report, Appendix G, page G-151. Submitted to the San Diego Regional Board on October 28, 2010.


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A non-exhaustive list below highlights the main components in the determination of stream assessment reference sites:

Representative of natural, undeveloped conditions, Good physical habitat, Little to no indication of Benthic alteration, No toxicity, and Minimal exceedances of WQOs.

The receiving water stations will be determined by a selection process including but not limited to representativeness, accessibility, safety, and hydrologic considerations, including:

Watershed: HSA within the Santa Margarita HU that do not have current receiving water stations will be identified for potential site selection. These potential locations will be mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS) software.

Stream Flow: Perennial streams within the Santa Margarita HU will be identified and cross-referenced with potential receiving water stations based on representativeness of the HSA and the overall HU. Streams that do not already have monitoring locations will also be identified and visited during dry weather to determine presence of flow and habitat.

Accessibility: Safety and the legal right to access the monitoring location may prevent certain locations from being selected.

Size: The reach must be at least 150 meters, if possible to comply with SWAMP Bioassessment SOPs.


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Table 3-2: Receiving Water Monitoring Locations

Station Name

Station ID Station Type Latitude Longitude Sampling Frequency

Adobe Creek 902ADB848

MLS Reference

(Dry Weather) 33°30'48.10" N 117°16'04.40" W

2 Dry1

& 3 Wet2

Cole Creek 902COL188

Alternate MLS Reference

Station (Wet Weather)

33°31'41.75" N 117°16'18.44" W 3 Wet2

Lower Temecula Creek

902LTC777 MLS 33°28'28.14" N 117° 8'19.84" W 2 Dry1

& 3 Wet2

Lower Murrieta Creek

902LMC778 MLS 33°28'40.88" N 117° 8'32.35" W 2 Dry1

& 3 Wet2

Pending Location TBD

TBD Stream

Assessment Reference

TBD TBD 1 Dry

Sandia Creek at De luz Rd

902SND100 Stream

Assessment Reference

33° 29'31.9" N 117° 14'47.04" W 1 Dry

Upper Santa Margarita River, d/s confluence

902USM828 Stream

Assessment 33°28'26.49" N3 117° 8'32.38" W3 1 Dry

Redhawk Channel, d/s of Overland Trail

902RDH768 Stream

Assessment 33°28'37.54"N 117° 5'48.31"W 1 Dry

1 Dry weather events will be conducted three months apart annually between May 1 and September 30. If flows are not evident during the second dry weather event, sampling must be conducted during non-rain events in the following wet season. Stream assessment monitoring will be conducted during one dry weather event between May and June.

2 Includes the first wet weather event of the year meeting criteria described in 40 CFR 122.21 (g)(7), as practicable. The third wet weather event will be conducted after February 1st annually.

3 Latitudinal & longitudinal coordinates are approximate. Actual sampling location(s) will be adjusted accordingly based on monitoring and assessment criteria.


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Figure 3-1: Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations

Note: Updated June 2014 Reconnaissance is planned to identify a stream assessment reference site for monitoring during the 2013-2014 reporting year..


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3.3 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING SCHEDULE / FREQUENCY

As described in the introduction to Section II of the SMR MRP, the Monitoring Program requirements are designed to allow the Co-Permittees to combine required monitoring elements or efforts that are not mutually exclusive while still meeting the requirements of the Order. Accordingly, MLS dry weather monitoring will be conducted concurrently with receiving water stream assessment monitoring at MLS locations. Additional special studies may be conducted concurrently as well, as discussed in Section 6.0. Each MLS will be monitored during three wet weather events and two dry weather events annually. During the second dry weather monitoring event, between May and June, stream assessment monitoring will also be conducted at the MLS locations. Three additional receiving water stream assessment monitoring locations will be monitored once annually, between May and June. 3.4 MLS WET WEATHER MONITORING

The SMR MRP requires MLS monitoring during three wet weather events at two MLSs (Lower Temecula Creek and Lower Murrieta Creek) and one permanent reference station (Cole Creek Adobe Creek). Cole Creek had previously been used as an alternate reference station because of wet weather accessibility issues at the Adobe Creek station however this was revised in February of 2014 to include Adobe Creek in lieu of Cole Creek in an attempt to increase successful sampling during wet weather events. Due to safety concerns at the Adobe Creek station sample collection shall occur only when there is enough sunlight to safely collect a monitoring sample during a wet weather monitoring event. Wet weather monitoring will consist of flow weighted composite samples collected during the duration of the entire runoff event using automated samplers. Where it is not practical to collect storm-related flow for the duration of the entire runoff event, composite samples must be collected at a minimum during the first 3 hours of flow. Grab samples will also be collected for specified constituents during wet weather monitoring. Composite and grab samples will be analyzed for the constituents listed in Table 3-11. 3.4.1 MLS Wet Weather Mobilization Criteria

The Order defines the “Rainy Season” (aka wet season) as October 1st through April 30th. Monitoring stations will be sampled according to procedures described in the following sections 3.4.2 through 3.4.4. The representative storm event was derived using average rainfall depths and durations from the USEPA NPDES Storm Water Sampling Guidance Document, Exhibit 2-8, “Rain Zones of the United States”.4 The derivation is presented in Section 10.3 of Volume II.

Pursuant to USEPA 833-B-92-001, a representative storm event for the Pacific Southwest is between:

o 0.27" to 0.81" in depth and o within 6 to 18 hours in duration.

Pursuant to District analysis of local rain gauge data conducted in accordance with USEPA 833-B-92-001, a representative event is between:

o 0.38" to 1.14" in depth and o within 6 to 18 hours in duration.

Due to the ephemeral nature of the SMR, the first storm that falls under the USEPA-recommended criteria may not result in storm induced runoff from tributary areas. Based on the District's monitoring

4 Exhibit 2-8 "Rain Zones of the United States", Pacific Southwest Region. NPDES Storm Water Sampling

Guidance Document. U.S. EPA Document No. 833-B-92-001.


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experience storm event forecasts of less than 0.5” in 24 hours may not typically result in measureable storm induced runoff and often result in false starts. Due to the large size of the watershed and significant groundwater recharge flows, the MLSs typically experience increased flow for several days or even weeks after a wet weather event. Therefore, consistent with the SMR MRP, MLSs will be monitored for the first three hours of storm flow (minimum). Water quality monitoring at the three MLSs includes recording flow and precipitation during each wet weather event. Monitoring will be conducted according to the mobilization criteria below:

The first and second wet weather event (i.e. occurring during the wet season) which meets the following mobilization criteria (40 C.F.R. §122.21(g)(7)(ii)):

o If a wet weather event is forecasted by the National Weather Service (NWS) Quantitative Precipitation Statement (QPS) to be greater than 0.1" within the next 48 hours and there is at least 72 hours between the forecasted event and a previous measurable (>0.1") rainfall event: Then District will follow the procedure outlined in Exhibit 2-7 of USEPA

NPDES Storm Water Guidance Document (USEPA 833-B-92-0015), included below as Figure 3-2, and as discussed in Section 10.3 of Volume II. This decision chart references the speculation of representative storm size.

Pursuant to USEPA 833-B-92-001, a representative Wet Weather event is between 0.27" in 6 hours and 0.81" in 18 hours, when possible.

Pursuant to NWS standard practice, "Likely" represents a Probability of Precipitation (PoP) of at least 60%.

Mobilization will occur when the NWS QPS forecast shows likely rainfall of 0.3" in 6 hours AND/OR 0.5" in 24 hours. This gives the District the greatest chance to sample a representative storm event.

For mobilization to occur, criteria must be met 24 hours in advance of sampling for coordination with property owners, consultants, and sampling personnel.

The third wet weather event must meet the same criteria as the first and second wet weather event and must be monitored after February 1st.

Additional information regarding mobilization criteria is available in Section 10.3 of Volume II: QAPP. Mobilization will occur in accordance with the USEPA Decision Chart for Storm Water Sampling, presented in Figure 3-2, and as Figure 10-1 in the QAPP.

5 Derived from Exhibit 2-8 "Rain Zones of the United States", Pacific Southwest Region. NPDES Storm Water Sampling Guidance Document. U.S. EPA Document No. 833-B-92-001.


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Figure 3-2: USEPA Decision Chart for Storm Event Sampling

Decision of “GO” or “NO GO” for mobilization made at 24 Hour

Forecast.


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3.4.2 MLS Wet Weather Sampling Teams, Equipment, and Bottles

Sampling Teams One team comprised of two District or consultant field personnel will monitor all three MLSs during wet weather events. The team will coordinate with field teams conducting MS4 outfall monitoring (described in Section 4.0) to assist as needed, such as transporting short holding-time samples to the laboratory. A staffing breakdown of programs covered under this Monitoring Plan is provided in Table 3-3 below:

Table 3-3: MLS Wet Weather Monitoring Team Roles

Discussed in this Section1

Monitoring Event Team Monitoring Activity Responsible Party

Wet 1 1 MLS District and/or

consultant

Wet 2

1 MLS District and/or

consultant

2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring; IAH Monitoring District and/or

consultant

3-5 MS4 Outfall Monitoring (if additional teams are needed)

District and/or consultant

Wet 3


consultant

2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring (if additional sites are needed or if follow-up and/or Source ID is necessary)


Dry 1

1 MLS; SMC Regional Monitoring Special Studies (if applicable)

District, SMC, and/or consultant

2 MS4 Outfall Inspections (Visual Observations) and Source ID, if necessary (follow-up may be necessary)

Individual Co-Permittees

Dry 2

1 MLS; Receiving Water Stream Assessment, SMC Regional Monitoring Special Studies (if applicable)


2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring; IAH Monitoring District, individual

Co-Permittees and/or consultant



1 Table is provided as general guidance and is subject to change during implementation. Monitoring of special studies may be concurrent with the programs discussed above. All samples will be delivered to the laboratory by field crews promptly following sample collection. Runners will be used as necessary to ensure samples are delivered to the laboratory within USEPA recommended holding times. Equipment The Wet Weather sampling at MLS will consist of flow-weighted composite samples collected during the entire runoff event when feasible and, at a minimum for the first three hours of storm-induced flow. Each MLS may be equipped prior to forecast rain with the following:

Data-logging flow meter Automated composite sampler with sample tubing


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Tipping bucket rain gauge 12-V DC power supply Data telemetry unit (as necessary and/or available) Portable field water quality meter(s)

Detailed descriptions of monitoring equipment operation and functions are provided in Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. Installation and Maintenance MLS sampling equipment may be installed as described in Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP as temporary stations for use during wet weather events. Prior to the start of each wet weather event the electronic equipment and clean tubing will be installed at each MLS in preparation for the anticipated wet weather event. Upon completion of monitoring, the equipment will be removed from the site and stored at either the District or consultant's office. Maintenance and calibration will be performed prior to monitoring each wet weather event per Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. A second set of equipment may be set up at MLSs to collect enough volume for required toxicity analyses. MLSs may be equipped with one 19-liter bottle using the same protocols as above for the collection of automated composite toxicity samples. Bottles Flow-weighted composite samples may be collected directly into a 19-liter bottle or into individual 1-gallon bottles that will be composited at the laboratory. Grab samples may be collected by manually operating the automated equipment to fill the appropriate bottles or by following grab sampling protocols described in Volume II: QAPP. Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP contains additional information regarding sample bottles. Table 3-4 below provides a summary of bottles required for receiving water wet weather MLS monitoring.

Table 3-4: MLS Wet Weather Bottle List

Constituent Container Type Per Site(1) Preservative

USEPA Recommended Holding Time

E. coli, Fecal Coliform, Enterococcus

2 x 125-mL plastic (each) Na2S2O3 6 hours

Oil and Grease(2) 1 x 1 L amber glass HCl or H2SO4 to

pH<2, ≤6°C 6 months

BOD (5-day) (2) 1 x 1 L amber glass ≤6°C 48 hours Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) (if a sheen is observed)

1 x 1 L amber glass ≤6°C Extract 7 days

Toxicity

7 x 1-Gallon amber glass (1 additional grab if TIE required)

or 1 x 19-Liter bottle

≤6°C 48 hours

All other constituents (Chemistry)

1 x 19-Liter glass (& 1 spare 19-L glass)

or 10 x ½ gallon glass

or As directed by the laboratory

≤6°C 48 hours (minimum)

(1) Container Type may vary based on equivalent recommended by ELAP certified laboratory. (2) Oil and Grease and BOD constituents cannot be analyzed from composite samples and must be collected via grab samples.


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3.4.3 MLS Wet Weather Data Collection

Wet weather monitoring will occur three times a year during the wet season at the three MLSs, including the first wet weather event that produces flow. Wet weather monitoring will consist of flow-weighted composite samples collected during the entire runoff event when feasible and, at a minimum for the first three hours of wet weather flow using automated samplers. Grab samples will be collected for bacteria, field parameters, BOD, and TPH (if a sheen is observed) during wet weather sampling. The following samples and measurements will be collected at each MLS:

Composite Samples o Chemistry flow weighted composite samples o Toxicity flow-weighted composite samples (if automated equipment is utilized)

Grab samples o Chemistry grab samples (see Table 3-4) o Toxicity grab samples (if automated equipment is not utilized or unpractical) o Bacteriological grab samples o Field measurement grab samples

In-situ field measurements o Temperature o pH o Specific conductance o DO o Turbidity

Flow measurements Constituents for analysis and detailed sampling methods are available in Section 3.9 of this Monitoring Plan and Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP, respectively. Refer to Section 7.1 for required data records and chain of custody (COC) information. 3.4.4 MLS Wet Weather Data Records and Chains of Custody (COCs)


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3.5 MLS DRY WEATHER MONITORING

The SMR MRP requires MLS monitoring during two dry weather events at two MLS (Lower Temecula Creek and Lower Murrieta Creek) and one reference station (Adobe Creek). The Adobe Creek station is the dry weather reference station because of wet weather accessibility issues at Adobe Creek. Dry weather monitoring will consist of 24-hour time-weighted composite samples using automated samplers. Grab samples will also be collected for specified constituents during dry weather sampling. Composite and grab samples will be analyzed for the constituents listed in Table 3-11. 3.5.1 MLS Dry Weather Mobilization Criteria

MLS monitoring stations will be sampled during two dry weather events. Monitoring will be conducted according to the criteria below:

Dry weather monitoring will occur between May 1st and September 30th, at least three months apart.

Dry weather monitoring must be preceded by at least 72 hours of dry conditions (<0.1 inch of precipitation). If flows are not present for the second monitoring event then sampling will be conducted during non-wet weather (i.e., dry weather) monitoring events that meet the criteria within this Section during the following wet season.6

Dry weather monitoring may occur in conjunction with stream assessment, regional monitoring programs, including the SMC Regional Monitoring Program, and special studies.

Additional information regarding mobilization criteria is available in Section 10.3 of Volume II: QAPP. 3.5.2 MLS Dry Weather Sampling Teams, Equipment, and Bottles

Sampling Teams Two teams comprised of two to six District field personnel and/or consultants will monitor the dry weather MLS monitoring stations according to the schedule provided in Section 3.3. A second team may be implemented, as necessary. A staffing breakdown of programs covered under this Monitoring Plan is provided in Table 3-5 below:

Table 3-5: MLS Dry Weather Monitoring Team Roles

Discussed in this Section1 Monitoring

Event Team Monitoring Activity Responsible Party


consultant

Wet 2


consultant

2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring; IAH Monitoring





consultant

6 MRP §II.A.1.c. "If flows are not evident for the second event, then sampling must be conducted during non-rain

events in the following wet weather season."


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Discussed in this Section1 Monitoring

Event Team Monitoring Activity Responsible Party



Dry 1



2

MS4 Outfall Inspections (Visual Observations) and Source ID, if necessary (follow-up may be necessary)


Dry 2

1

MLS; Receiving Water Stream Assessment, SMC Regional Monitoring Special Studies (if applicable)


2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring; IAH Monitoring

District, individual Co-Permittee and/or

consultant

3

MS4 Outfall Inspections (Visual Observations) and Source ID, if necessary (follow-up may be necessary)

Individual Co-Permittee

1 Table is provided as general guidance and is subject to change during implementation. Monitoring of special studies may be concurrent with the programs discussed above. All samples will be delivered to the laboratory by field crews promptly following sample collection. Runners will be used as necessary to ensure samples are delivered to the laboratory within USEPA recommended holding times. Equipment Each MLS may be equipped with the following for dry weather sampling:

Data-logging flow meter Automated composite sampler with sample tubing 12-V DC power supply Portable field water quality meter(s)

A detailed description of the monitoring equipment and its operation can be found in Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP.

Installation and Maintenance Monitoring equipment at MLS may be installed during the beginning of individual dry weather monitoring events, as described in Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. Maintenance and calibration will be performed prior to monitoring each wet weather event per Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. A second set of equipment may be set up at MLSs to collect enough volume for required toxicity analyses. MLSs may be equipped with two sets of four 1-gallon bottles or one 19-liter bottle using the same protocols as above for the collection of automated composite toxicity samples. Automated equipment is recommended but not required for 24-hour time-weighted composite sampling.


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Bottles Time-weighted composite samples may be collected directly into a 19-liter bottle or into eight 1-gallon bottles that will be composited at the laboratory. Grab samples may be collected directly into the appropriate bottles by manually operating the automated equipment or by standing in-stream if safe to do so. Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP contains additional information regarding sample bottles. Table 3-6 below provides a summary of bottles required for dry weather MLS monitoring.


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Table 3-6: MLS Dry Weather Bottle List1

Constituent Container Type Per Site(1) Preservative USEPA

Recommended Holding Time

E. coli, Fecal Coliform, Enterococcus

2 x 125-mL plastic (each) Na2S2O3 6 hours

Oil and Grease(2) 1 x 1 L amber glass HCl or H2SO4 to

pH<2, ≤6°C 6 months

BOD (5-day)(2) 1 x 1 L amber glass ≤6°C 48 hours TPH (if a sheen is observed) 1 x 1 L amber glass ≤6°C Extract 7 days

Toxicity

7 x 1-Gallon amber glass (1 additional grab if TIE required)

or 5 x 1-Gallon glass bottles

≤6°C 48 hours

All other constituents (Chemistry)

1 x 19-Liter glass (& 1 spare 19-L glass)

or 3 x 1 gallon glass

or As directed by the laboratory


(1) Container Type and size may vary based on equivalent recommended by ELAP certified laboratory. (2) Oil and Grease, and BOD constituents cannot be analyzed from composite samples and must be collected via grab samples.

3.5.3 MLS Dry Weather Data Collection

Dry weather MLS monitoring will occur twice a year at the three MLS. The following types of samples and measurements will be collected at each MLS:

Composite samples

o Chemistry time-weighted composite samples (including turbidity and specific conductance)

o Toxicity time-weighted composite samples (if automated equipment is utilized) Grab samples

o Chemistry grab samples (see Table 3-6) o Toxicity grab samples (if automated equipment is not utilized) o Bacteriological grab samples o Field measurement grab samples

In-situ field measurements o Temperature o pH o Specific conductance o DO o Turbidity

Flow measurements Constituents for analysis and detailed sampling methods are available in Section 3.9 of this Monitoring Plan and Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP, respectively.


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Refer to Section 7.1 for required data records and COC information. 3.5.4 MLS Dry Weather Data Records and COCs

3.6 RECEIVING WATER STREAM ASSESSMENT MONITORING

The SMR MRP requires stream assessment monitoring at six receiving water stations for one dry weather event per year occurring in May or June. Stream assessment monitoring will be conducted at three MLSs and at three additional receiving water stations, non-MLS, to satisfy the MRP requirement. Stream assessment at the MLSs will be conducted simultaneously with a MLS dry weather monitoring event and may be conducted in conjunction with the Sediment Toxicity Special Study. Stream assessment monitoring at the three additional receiving water stations may be monitored on alternate dates. The stream assessment monitoring is comprised of chemistry, bioassessment, and toxicity. Chemistry and toxicity monitoring at all stations will follow the same protocol and analysis as presented in Section 3.5, MLS Dry Weather Monitoring. The Stream Assessment Monitoring Program is designed to use a multiple line of evidence approach to assess the condition of biological communities in freshwater receiving waters through the collection of biological, chemical, and physical data. In addition to chemistry and toxicity analyses, the stream assessments will consist of measurement based on the Southern California Index of biological integrity (IBI) scores, physical habitat characterization, and assessment of algae and is designed to be SWAMP compatible. Stream Assessment Monitoring Program highlights:

One monitored dry weather event at each station Six monitoring stations (including two reference stations) Bioassessments, including physical habitat, algae assessment, aquatic chemistry, and aqueous

toxicity monitoring components 3.6.1 Receiving Water Stream Assessment Monitoring Mobilization Criteria

Receiving water stream assessment monitoring stations (stream will be sampled during one dry weather event. Monitoring will be conducted according to the criteria below:

Stream assessment monitoring will occur in May or June annually, starting May 2013. Stream assessment monitoring must be preceded by at least 72 hours of dry conditions (<0.1 inch

of precipitation). Dry weather monitoring will occur in conjunction with MLS dry weather monitoring, and may be

conducted in coordination with special studies and regional monitoring programs, such as the Sediment Toxicity Special Study and the SMC Regional Monitoring Program, when feasible.

Additional information regarding mobilization criteria is available in Section 10.3 of Volume II: QAPP. 3.6.2 Receiving Water Stream Assessment Sampling Teams, Equipment, and Bottles

Sampling Teams Bioassessment teams must be led by a person specifically trained in bioassessment techniques, as described in the bioassessment methods section located in Appendix F of Volume II: QAPP. One team


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comprised of two to six District field personnel (and/or consultant field personnel) will monitor the receiving water stream assessment monitoring stations once annually. Additional monitoring teams may be coordinated based on participation of the SMC Regional Monitoring Program and/or other regional monitoring programs. A staffing breakdown of programs covered under this Monitoring Plan is provided in Table 3-7 below:

Table 3-7: Receiving Water Stream Assessment Monitoring Team Roles

Discussed in this Section1

Monitoring Event Team Monitoring Activity Responsible Party

Wet 1 1 MLS District and/or consultant

Wet 2

1 MLS District and/or consultant

2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring; IAH Monitoring District and/or consultant



Wet 3

1 MLS District and/or consultant



Dry 1





Dry 2

1 MLS; Receiving Water Stream Assessment, SMC Regional Monitoring Special Studies (if applicable)


2 MS4 Outfall Monitoring; IAH Monitoring District, individual

Co-Permittees and/or consultant



1 Table is provided as general guidance and is subject to change during implementation. Monitoring of special studies may be concurrent with the programs discussed above. All samples will be delivered to the laboratory by field crews promptly following sample collection. Runners will be used as necessary to ensure samples are delivered to the laboratory within USEPA recommended holding times. Equipment Each stream assessment monitoring station may be equipped with the following for stream assessment aqueous chemistry and aqueous toxicity sampling:

Data-logging flow meter Automated composite sampler with sample tubing 12-V DC power supply Portable field water quality meter(s)

A detailed description of the aqueous chemistry and toxicity monitoring equipment and its operation can be found in Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. In addition, a detailed description of the equipment needed


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for bioassessment monitoring and algae collection and their functions can be found in Appendices F and G, respectively, of Volume II: QAPP. Installation and Maintenance Equipment at stream assessment monitoring stations may be installed during the beginning of individual dry weather monitoring events, as described in Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. Stream assessment monitoring stations that are also MLSs installed under the Receiving Water Monitoring Program are discussed in Section 3.5 of this MP. Maintenance and calibration will be performed prior to monitoring each dry weather event per Section 15 of Volume II: QAPP. A second set of equipment may be set up at receiving water stream assessment stations to collect enough volume for required toxicity analyses. Receiving water stream assessment stations may be equipped with two sets of equipment using eight 1-gallon glass bottles or one 19-liter bottle using the same protocols as above for the collection of automated composite toxicity samples. Automated equipment is recommended but not required for 24-hour time-weighted composite sampling. Bottles Bioassessments and algae collection require a complicated set of bottles and sampling equipment to prepare samples for the laboratory. Trained personnel must organize the bottles and equipment prior to bioassessment mobilization. Bottle lists are available in Appendices F and G, respectively, of Volume II: QAPP. For aqueous chemistry and toxicity, all stream assessment samples will be collected in accordance with the requirements of MLS dry weather monitoring described in Section 3.5. Table 3-8 below provides a summary of the chemistry and toxicity bottles required for the six stream assessment samples.

Table 3-8: Receiving Water Stream Assessment Chemistry and Toxicity Bottle List

Constituent Container Type Per Site(1) Preservative USEPA

Recommended Holding Time

E. coli, Fecal Coliform, Enterococcus 2 x 125-mL plastic (each) Na2S2O3 6 hours

Oil and Grease(2) 1 x 1 L amber glass HCl or H2SO4 to pH<2, ≤6°C

6 months

BOD (5-day) (2) 1 x 1 L amber glass ≤6°C 48 hours TPH (if a sheen is observed) 1 x 1 L amber glass ≤6°C Extract 7 days

Toxicity 7 x 1-Gallon amber glass (1

additional grab if TIE required) Or 5 x 1-Gallon glass bottle

≤6°C 48 hours

All other constituents (Chemistry) 1 x 19-Liter glass

Or 3 x 1 gallon glass Or As directed by the laboratory


(1) Container Type may vary based on equivalent recommended by ELAP certified laboratory. (2) Oil and Grease, and BOD constituents cannot be analyzed from composite samples and must be collected via grab samples.

3.6.3 Receiving Water Stream Assessment Data Collection

Stream assessment monitoring will occur once a year at the six monitoring locations and will be conducted in May or June. The following types of samples and measurements will be collected at each stream assessment station:


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Bioassessment (all stream assessment stations)

o IBI measurements for benthic macroinvertebrates o Physical habitat characterization o Algal taxonomic composition and algal biomass o IBI measurements for algae

Aqueous Chemistry (MLS are covered under Section 3.5) o Chemistry 24-hour time-weighted composite samples o Chemistry grab samples (see Table 3-8) o Bacteriological grab samples o Field measurement grab samples

Aqueous Toxicity (MLS are covered under Section 3.5) o Toxicity time-weighted composite samples (if automated equipment is utilized) o Toxicity grab samples (if automated equipment is not utilized)

In-situ field measurements (MLS are covered under Section 3.5) o Temperature o pH o Specific conductance o DO o Turbidity

Flow measurements (MLS are covered under Section 3.5)

Constituents for analysis and detailed sampling methods are available in Section 3.9 of this Monitoring Plan and Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP, respectively. Refer to Section 7.1 for required data records and COC information. 3.6.4 Receiving Water Stream Assessment Data Records and Chains of Custody (COCs)

3.7 FOLLOW-UP ANALYSIS AND ACTIONS

The results from the Receiving Water Monitoring Program including wet weather, dry weather, and stream assessment monitoring will be assessed after each monitoring event as soon as results are available and have been reviewed for quality. If the monitoring results indicate adverse water quality effects in the receiving water, the cause and extent of MS4 Pollution of the adverse effects will be evaluated. Management actions to eliminate non-stormwater discharges and/or reduce stormwater sources from the MS4 will be implemented as described in Table 3-9. These actions include, but are not limited to, additional data collection, Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs) and upstream source identification studies. Under the Triad approach, as discussed in the Model Monitoring Program (MMP) and the Order, chemistry results from receiving water monitoring stations are compared to compliance and WQOs as described in Section 2.1. The Triad approach, the chemistry, toxicity, and bioassessment lines of evidence are weighed as described Table 3 of the SMR MRP, which is summarized below as Table 3-9. As defined in the MMP, persistent exceedance is an "exceedance of relevant Basin Plan or CTR objectives by 20% for three sampling periods". Evidence of toxicity is determined by a high toxicity score in relation to other stations, on a metric combining magnitude and persistence of observed toxicity over an entire year. Evidence of benthic alteration is present when an IBI score indicates a substantially degraded community (Model Monitoring Program, SMC 2004).


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Table 3-9: Triad Approach to Determining Follow-Up Actions1

Chemistry2 Evidence

of Toxicity?

Indication of Benthic

Alteration? Example Conclusions Possible Actions

WQO Exceedance

Yes

Yes Pollution-induced degradation may be present

Conduct TIE and possibly upstream source identification (high priority) depending on TIE results

No

Toxic contaminants are present, but have not changed the community

Recheck benthic analyses and conduct TIE and upstream source identification (high priority if benthic reanalysis indicates alteration; medium priority if it does not)

No

Yes

Test organisms not sensitive to present contaminants; benthic impact a result of habitat disturbance

Conduct upstream source identification (high priority); review need for alternate test organisms; consider potential role of physical habitat disturbance

No

Test organisms are not sensitive to present contaminants

Continue monitoring for toxic and/or benthic impacts and conduct upstream source identification (low priority); review need for alternate test organisms

No persistent WQO exceedance

Yes

Yes

Pollution-induced degradation may be present from unmeasured toxic contaminants and/or alteration is not due to toxic contamination

Verify test results; consider additional chemical analyses; conduct TIE and initiate upstream source identification (high priority); consider potential role of physical habitat disturbance

No

Toxicity caused at low pollutant levels or unmeasured contaminant causing toxicity

Verify test results; consider additional chemical analyses; conduct TIE and initiate upstream source identification (medium priority)

No Yes

Alteration is not due to toxic contamination or test organisms are not sensitive to present pollutants

Initiate upstream source identification for physical sources (high priority); review need for alternate test organisms

No No evidence of pollution-induced degradation

No immediate follow-up action

1 Model Monitoring Program for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in Southern California. Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, August 2004.

2 WQO exceedances for chemistry are determined by the SMR Basin Plan and the CTR. 3.7.1 Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs)

When a receiving water monitoring station exhibits persistent exceedances of WQOs and evidence of toxicity, a TIE will be initiated during the following sampling event. Persistent exceedance is defined, per Table 5-10 of the MMP (SMC, 2004), as an "exceedance of relevant Basin Plan or CTR objectives by 20% for three sampling periods". TIEs may be conducted during the monitoring year following exceedances of WQOs by 20% coupled with evidence of toxicity to meet the requisite persistence


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threshold. TIEs use complex biochemistry techniques to isolate the compound or group of compounds responsible for the toxic effects. Evidence of toxicity is defined by the MMP as a high toxicity score in relation to other stations, on a metric combining magnitude and persistence of observed toxicity over an entire year. The compound that the TIE identifies as the cause will then be added to the analyte list for that site. Phase I TIEs will be conducted in accordance with USEPA method 600-3-88-034 (USEPA, 1988). If the Phase I TIE is inconclusive, a Phase II TIE may be performed. Table 3-10 below summarizes TIE methods and costs.

Table 3-10: TIE Methods

Parameter USEPA Method

Analysis Cost (each) Water

Required Pimephales promelas larval survival (acute and chronic, freshwater)

821-R-02-012 821-R-02-013

$800 $1,015 (acute) $1,375 $1,808 (chronic)

1 gal

Hyalella azteca (acute and chronic, freshwater)

821-R-02-012 821-R-02-013

$800 $1,015 (acute) $1,625 $1,980 (chronic)

1 gal

Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata growth (chronic, freshwater)(1) 821-R-02-013 $1275 $1,590 1 gal

Ceriodaphnia dubia (acute, freshwater)(1) 821-R-02-012 $750 $1,015 1 gal Toxicity Identification Evaluation (Phase I)

600-3-88-034 $4,500 - $6,000 5 gal

Toxicity Identification Evaluation (Phase II)

600-3-88-035 TBD Dependent on tests run

(1) Acute toxicity testing with Ceriodaphnia dubia has been implemented in lieu of the Permit specified acute toxicity testing with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, for which there is no acute test method (chronic only).

3.7.2 Upstream Source Identifications

Where there is evidence of toxicity and a TIE has identified the stressor causing the toxicity, upstream source identification will be initiated, as consistent with the requirements of SMR MRP Section II.A.3. Upstream source identification work plans will be developed on a case by case basis. 3.8 REGIONAL MONITORING PROGRAMS

Certain monitoring programs have been incorporated into regional efforts and are available in the applicable regional monitoring plan, such as the SMC Regional Monitoring of Southern California Watersheds special study. Regional efforts are utilized when possible. For example, stream assessment monitoring will be performed in conjunction with SMC bioassessments as a part of the SMC Regional Monitoring of Southern California Watersheds special study. The District and/or Co-Permittees have participated in the following current and past regional projects:

SMC Regional Bioassessment Monitoring of Southern California (parallel to the State Perennial Streams Study);

SCCWRP Regional Hydromodification study; LID Program Implementation and Guidance; CASQA Pesticide Regulatory Subcommittee support; CASQA Monitoring and Science Subcommittee support; SMC Laboratory Intercalibration; Participation in the Statewide Toxicity Testing Policy Development;


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SMC IBI for Low Gradient Streams; SMC Post-Fire Monitoring Study; and SMC Monitoring Workgroup.

3.9 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING PROGRAM ANALYSES TYPES

Grab and composite samples collected under the Receiving Water Monitoring Program (wet weather, dry weather, and stream assessment) will be analyzed for the constituents listed in Table 3-11, which includes units, methods, and Reporting Limits (RLs). Grab samples may be collected for E. coli, Enterococcus, fecal coliform, BOD, oil and grease, and TPH (if a sheen is observed). All other constituents will be collected as composite samples based on program type described in Sections 3.4 to 3.6 of this MP. RLs in this table represent the State Board Minimum Level (State ML) RLs and SWAMP recommended RLs. The analytical laboratory will attempt to improve upon these RLs, and will provide a written explanation for any failure to meet them. Standard Method RL may be used when no required RL is available.

Table 3-11: Receiving Water Monitoring Chemistry and Toxicity Analyses

Constituent Unit Method State ML SWAMP

Target RL Sample Type Conventionals and Hydrocarbons Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

mg/L SM 2540 C / EPA 160.1

None 10 Composite

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

mg/L SM 2540D / EPA 160.2

None 0.5 Composite

BOD (5-day) (a) mg/L SM 5210B / EPA 405.1

None None 2.0 Grab

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

mg/L SM 5210 D / EPA 410.1-.4 / SM 5220

None None 5.0 Composite

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC)

mg/L SM 5310 B/ EPA 415.1 /

None None 0.6 Composite

Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

mg/L SM 5310 B None 0.6 Composite

Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/L SM 3120 B / EPA 200.7 / SM 2340B

None 1 Composite

Oil & Grease(a) mg/L USEPA 1664 A None 1.4 Grab MBAS mg/L SM 5540 C 0.1 None None Composite

Sulfate mg/L USEPA 300.0A / SM 54500-SO4 E

None 1.0 None 1.0 Composite

TPH, total recoverable(b) mg/L USEPA 418.1 / EPA 8015M

None None Grab

Turbidity(c) NTU Field Measurement / SM2130B

None None 0.5 Field Measurement

and Composite

pH(c) pH Units Field measurement / SM 4500 H+B

None None Field Measurement

or Composite

DO(c) mg/L Field measurement / SM 4500-O

None None Field Measurement

or Composite


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Table 3-11: Receiving Water Monitoring Chemistry and Toxicity Analyses (continued)

Constituent Unit Method ML SWAMP

Target RL Sample Type

Conventionals and Hydrocarbons (continued)

Specific Conductance(c) µmhoS/cm Field measurement / SM 2510 B

None 2.5 Field Measurement

and Composite Temperature °Celsius Field measurement None None Field Measurement

Nutrients

Ammonia as Nitrogen (NH3-N)

mg/L SM 4500 NH3H None 0.1 Composite

Nitrate as Nitrogen (NO3-N) mg/L USEPA 300.0 None 0.01 Composite

Nitrite as Nitrogen (NO2-N) mg/L SM4500 NO 2 B / EPA 300.0

None 0.01 Composite

TKN mg/L USEPA 351.2 None 0.5 Composite Total Nitrogen mg/L Calculation None None Composite Total Phosphorus mg/L SM 4500 PBE None 0.05 None Composite

Dissolved Phosphorus mg/L SM 4500 PBE / EPA 365.2

None 0.1 None Composite

Metals (Total /Dissolved) Arsenic (As) μg/L USEPA 200.8 2.0 0.3 Composite Cadmium (Cd) μg/L USEPA 200.8 0.25 0.01 Composite Chromium (Cr) μg/L USEPA 200.8 None 0.5 0.1 Composite

Chromium VI(d) μg/L USEPA 218.6/ USEPA 200.8

0.25 None Composite

Copper (Cu) μg/L USEPA 200.8 0.5 0.01 Composite Iron (Fe) μg/L USEPA 200.7 None 20 Composite Lead (Pb) μg/L USEPA 200.8 0.5 0.01 Composite Manganese (Mn) μg/L USEPA 200.8 None 1.0 0.01/ None Composite Mercury (Hg) μg/L USEPA 200.8 None/0.5 0.0002 Composite Nickel (Ni) μg/L USEPA 200.8 1.0 0.02 Composite Selenium (Se) μg/L USEPA 200.8 2.0 0.3 Composite Silver (Ag) μg/L USEPA 200.8 0.25 0.02 Composite Thallium (Tl) μg/L USEPA 200.8 1.0 None Composite Zinc (Zn) μg/L USEPA 200.8 1.0 0.1 Composite Organics

Carbamates μg/L

USEPA 531.1, USEPA 632.1, USEPA 608 or USEPA 8318

None None Composite

Chlorpyrifos μg/L USEPA 8141 B / EPA 8270-OP

None 0.02 Composite

Diazinon μg/L USEPA 8141 B / EPA 8270-OP

None 0.05 Composite

Malathion μg/L EPA 8270/ USEPA 8141 B

None 0.05 Composite

Pyrethroid Pesticides ng/L EPA 1660M-Pyrethroids USEPA 8270 C by GC-MS-SIM

None None Composite


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Table 3-11: Receiving Water Monitoring Chemistry and Toxicity Analyses (continued)

Constituent Unit Method ML SWAMP

Target RL Sample Type

Bacterial Indicator E.coli MPN/100ml SM9221E None 2 Grab

Enterococcus MPN/100ml SM 9230 B / SM 9230C/ EPA 1600

None 2 1 Grab

Fecal Coliform MPN/100ml SM 9221 E None 2 Grab Toxicity Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow fish)

% survival, % survival/growth

USEPA-821-R-02-012, USEPA-821-R-02-013

None None Composite or

Grab Hyalella Azteca (Amphipod,Crustacean)

% survival, % survival/growth

USEPA-821-R-02-012, USEPA-821-R-02-013

None None Composite or

Grab Ceriodaphnia dubia (Water flea)

% survival USEPA-821-R-02-012 None None Composite or

Grab Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Microalgae)

% growth USEPA-821-R-02-013 None None Composite or

Grab

(a) Oil and Grease, and BOD constituents cannot be analyzed from composite samples and must be collected via grab samples. (b) TPH is required only when sheen is observed. (c) Field Measurements (i.e., pH, DO, turbidity and specific conductivity) will be taken in-situ and submitted for laboratory

analysis in case there is a malfunction with equipment. (d) Hexavalent Chromium is only sampled at MLS during the first wet weather event and first dry weather event.

Chemistry Composite Samples Chemistry samples will be 24-hour time-weighted composites (dry weather and stream assessment) and minimum 3-hour flow-weighted composites (wet weather) comprised of a series of sample aliquots. Dry weather sample aliquots will be collected at predetermined intervals over the duration of the monitoring period. Wet weather sample aliquots will be collected according to a sample pacing which will be determined based on the size of the wet weather event or in separate bottles at 20 minute intervals. Samples may be composited at the laboratory. Further detail regarding standard flow-weighted and time-weighted composite sampling is provided in Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP. Toxicity Composite Samples Toxicity samples may be 24-hour time-weighted composites (dry weather and stream assessment) and minimum 3-hour flow-weighted composites (wet weather) comprised of a series of sample aliquots. Dry weather sample aliquots may be collected at predetermined intervals over the duration of the monitoring period. Wet weather sample aliquots may be collected according to a sample pacing which will be determined based on the size of the wet weather event or in separate bottles at predetermined intervals. Samples may be composited at the laboratory. Further detail regarding standard flow-weighted and time-weighted composite sampling is provided in Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP. Grab Samples Grab samples will be collected for constituents that have short holding times or special bottle or preservative requirements, as described in Sections 3.3 through 3.5. If flows are too shallow to submerge the sample container directly, a secondary, pre-cleaned, sample vessel may be used to transfer sample water into the sample containers. Receiving water grab samples will be collected using protocols outlined in Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP. Grab samples should be collected and delivered to the laboratory in accordance with Sections 3.4 through 3.6.


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Grab samples will not be collected if flow and/or depth are found to be insufficient. Depth at sample point must be sufficient to collect sample via submerging the collection container/scoop without disturbing substrate along bottom of stream or channel bed. Flow at sample point must be sufficient to observe surface velocity (unless ponded samples are required). In-situ Field Measurements In-situ water quality field measurements will be collected at each receiving water station once during each monitoring event. In-situ field measurements will be collected concurrently with grab sample collection. Standard procedures for collecting in-situ water quality parameters are described in Section 11 of Volume II: QAPP. Duplicate field meters will be carried when possible. If meter failure occurs, the field team will attempt to use a back-up meter or another team's meter. As a last resort, the laboratory will be instructed to analyze for any missing parameters according to the methods provided in Table 3-11. Flow and Precipitation Monitoring During wet weather monitoring, flow meters will be programmed to record stage (to be converted to flow values based on channel dimensions) and precipitation data throughout the monitoring event, when possible. Flow and precipitation monitoring will commence during the pre-event preparation and will terminate upon completion of sampling. During dry weather and stream assessment monitoring, where automated equipment is not used, flow will be estimated by collecting the following measurements:

Width of the water surface, Approximate depth of the water, and Approximate flow velocity.

Alternatively, visual estimates may be made per the procedures detailed in the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). Ponded water will be indicated by 0.0 cubic feet per second (cfs). No flow or no discharge will be indicated by "no flow". Bioassessment In-stream bioassessment analyses are used to assess the cumulative impacts of discharges to aquatic species including benthic invertebrates, algae, fish, and plants. They are designed to directly measure the biological and physical condition of a watershed. Additionally, bioassessments indirectly measure the impacts of cumulative, sub-lethal doses of pollutants and may detect impacts that chemical and toxicity monitoring cannot. However, there are some limitations to the current procedures. Per the USEPA's Rapid Bioassessment Protocol guidance, an accurate assessment of stream biological data is difficult because natural variability cannot be controlled. Unlike analytical assessments conducted in the laboratory, in which accuracy can be verified in a number of ways, field assessments cannot be replicated or objectively verified. Bioassessments involve assessment of the physical in-stream and riparian habitat, benthic macroinvertebrates, and algae. Bioassessments will be conducted according to the most current SWAMP SOPs, which includes assessment techniques for physical habitat and benthic macroinvertebrates (Ode, et al. 2007). Southern California Index of Biotic Integrity (SoCal IBI) scores will be calculated from benthic macroinvertebrate data. Algae assessment will be conducted using SWAMP's SOP for Collecting Stream Algae Samples (Fetscher et al, 2009), which includes algal taxonomic composition and algal biomass. Future algae assessments will incorporate algal IBI scores as they are developed. SWAMP SOPs for Bioassessment and Algal Assessment are provided in Appendices F and G of Volume II: QAPP,


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respectively. Bioassessments may be conducted in accordance with the SMC Regional Bioassessment monitoring program. Refer to the Monitoring Annual Reports for updates and status of special studies. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling and IBI Metrics Benthic macroinvertebrates, which include crustaceans such as crayfish, mollusks such as clams and snails, aquatic worms and the larval forms of aquatic insects such as stonefly and mayfly nymphs, are collected from the streams using specialized nets. A monitoring reach is delineated and then 21 transects are spaced equidistant across the reach. Prior to any other disturbance of the stream, field crews begin at the downstream transect and proceed upstream, disturbing a 1 foot square section of substrate at every other transect, resulting in one composite sample. The contents of the net are then placed into sample jars that are labeled and preserved prior to delivery to the laboratory for sample analyses. Detailed protocols may be found in Appendix F of Volume II: QAPP. At the laboratory, the organisms are sorted and identified, and the count of organisms in each taxa is recorded. The counts are used to calculate the SoCal IBI score. The SoCal IBI integrates seven key measures of organism abundance and diversity at a given site into a single score that has been demonstrated to vary predictably in response to anthropogenic stresses. The seven key metrics incorporated into the SoCal IBI include the number of Coleopteran taxa, number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera taxa (collectively referred to as "EPT taxa"), number of predator taxa, percent collector individuals, percent intolerant individuals, percent non-insect taxa, and percent tolerant taxa. The individual metric scores from each of these seven measures is ranked 0 to 10, and then summed and multiplied by 1.43 to convert the cumulative score into a 0 to 100 point scale. This number is then grouped into one of five categories that relate to biological integrity. These categories include: very poor (0 - 19), poor (20 - 39), fair (40 - 59), good (60 - 79) and very good (80 - 100). Bioassessment: Physical Habitat Characterization Physical habitat data collected as part of the current SWAMP Bioassessment protocol (Ode, et al. 2007) consist of a wide variety of measures of both in-stream and associated riparian areas. This is done by first collecting in-stream water quality measurements with field meters. The stream reach is then partitioned into 11 main and 10 inter-transects, each spaced either 7.5 or 12.5 meters apart (depending upon the stream width). At each main transect, three measurements of stream size are collected: wetted width, bankfull width, and bankfull height. Water depth and particle size are recorded at five equidistant point counts along each of the 21 transects at the left bank, 25%, 50%, and 75% of stream width, and at the right bank. The presence of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), percent cobble embeddedness, microalgae, macroalgae, and macrophytes are also recorded at each of the five points. A measure of overhead canopy cover is taken from the center of each main transect with a handheld densiometer while facing upstream, downstream, and towards the left and right banks (from the downstream perspective). Riparian vegetation coverage on each bank, human influence, and in-stream habitat complexity are all recorded using a categorical scoring system. In addition to these measurements, flow habitats present are recorded at each inter-transect according to a categorical classification system. Once physical habitat observations have been collected at each of the main and inter-transects, reach-wide data are collected, including stream sinuosity, stream discharge, and gradient. The final habitat characterization task is to score each station qualitatively for three parameters: epifaunal cover, sediment deposition, and channel alteration. Bioassessment: Algae Sampling Algal indicators can be monitored as part of a bioassessment including percent algal cover, algal taxonomic composition, and algal biomass. The percent algal cover can be recorded during the standard physical habitat assessment with sample collection. The SWAMP SOP describes how to collect a composite algae sample that can be used to quantify chlorophyll a, AFDM, diatom assemblage, and/or


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soft-bodied algal assemblages depending on the purpose of the study. After BMI samples have been collected, algae samples are collected in the same manner, with field crews working upstream from transect to transect collecting a sample from an undisturbed location. Samples are kept out of the sun to reduce degradation of chlorophyll a, limit cell division post-collection, and protect algae from desiccation. The SWAMP SOP for collecting stream algae samples describes methodology to collect and preserve a quantitative algal sample from various types of substrates and when different forms of algae are present and are described in detail in Appendix G of Volume II: QAPP. Future algae assessments will incorporate algal IBI scores as they are developed.

Documents

3.0 RECEIVING WATER MONITORING PROGRAM 3.1 RECEIVING …€¦ · answers to management questions posed in the SMR MRP. The Receiving Water Monitoring Program is comprised of monitoring