Pollutants of Concern Reconnaissance Monitoring Progress Report, Water Years 2015-2018

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | May 1st, 2019

The San Francisco Bay polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and mercury (Hg) total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) call for implementation of control measures to reduce PCB and Hg l

The San Francisco Bay polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and mercury (Hg) total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) call for implementation of control measures to reduce PCB and Hg loads entering the Bay via stormwater. In 2009, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board) issued the first Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP). This MRP contained provisions aimed at improving information on stormwater pollutant loads in selected watersheds (Provision C.8.) and piloted a number of management techniques to reduce PCB and Hg loading to the Bay from smaller urbanized tributaries (Provisions C.11. and C.12.). In 2015, the Regional Water Board issued the second iteration of the MRP. “MRP 2.0” placed an increased focus on identifying those watersheds, source areas, and source properties that are potentially the most polluted and are therefore most likely to be cost-effective areas for addressing load-reduction requirements.  To support this increased focus, a stormwater reconnaissance monitoring field protocol was developed and implemented in water years (WYs) 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Most of the sites monitored were in Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties, with a few sites in Contra Costa and Solano Counties. At 60 sampling sites, time-weighted composite water samples were collected during individual storm events and analyzed for 40 PCB congeners, total Hg (HgT), and suspended sediment concentration (SSC). At a subset of sites, additional samples were analyzed for selected trace metals, organic carbon (OC), and grain size. Where possible, sampling efficiency was increased by sampling two or three sites during a single storm if the sites were near enough to one another that alternating between them was safe and rapid. This same field protocol is being implemented in the winter of WY 2019 by the RMP. The San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program and the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program have also implemented the sampling protocol with their own funding.  During this study beginning in WY 2015, the RMP began piloting the use of un-staffed “remote” suspended sediment samplers (Hamlin samplers and Walling Tube samplers). These remote samplers were designed to enhance settling and capture of suspended sediment from the water column. At 10 of the manual sampling sites, a remote sample was collected using a Hamlin suspended sediment sampler in parallel with the manual sample, and at 9 sites, a remote sample was collected using a Walling Tube suspended sediment sampler in parallel with the manual sample. 

Pollutants of Concern Reconnaissance Monitoring Water Years 2015, 2016, and 2017

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | July 2nd, 2018

The San Francisco Bay polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and mercury (Hg) total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) call for implementation of control measures to reduce PCB and Hg l

The San Francisco Bay polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and mercury (Hg) total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) call for implementation of control measures to reduce PCB and Hg loads entering the Bay via stormwater. In 2009, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board) issued the first combined Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP). This MRP contained provisions aimed at improving information on stormwater pollutant loads in selected watersheds (Provision C.8.) and piloted a number of management techniques to reduce PCB and Hg loading to the Bay from smaller urbanized tributaries (Provisions C.11. and C.12.). In 2015, the Regional Water Board issued the second iteration of the MRP. “MRP 2.0” placed an increased focus on identifying those watersheds, source areas, and source properties that are potentially the most polluted and are therefore most likely to be cost-effective areas for addressing load-reduction requirements through implementation of control measures. 

Pollution Prevention (Resource Management Strategy)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 29th, 2016

Pollution prevention can be defined as the reducing or eliminating of waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less toxic

Pollution prevention can be defined as the reducing or eliminating of waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less toxic substances, the implementation of practices or conservation techniques including activities that reduce the generation and/or discharge of the pollutants, and the application of innovative and alternative technologies which prevent pollutants from entering the environment prior to treatment. These preventive activities can also include new equipment designs or technology, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of raw materials, updating or improvements of existing management practices, continued maintenance of previously implemented management practices, training and education/outreach, and improved collaboration. Pollution prevention begins at the source. Sources of water quality pollution can be categorized into two types: point-source and non-point-source. In California, point-source pollution prevention is addressed through the Clean Water Enforcement and Pollution Prevention Act of 1999, Water Code Section 13263.3(d)(1), which authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), a regional water quality control board (RWQCB), or a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) to require a discharger to prepare and implement a pollution prevention plan. A point-source discharger is defined per Water Code Section 13263.3(c) as any entity required to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit or any entity subject to the federal pretreatment program. A non-point discharger is any discharger not covered by a NPDES permit. Pollution prevention can contribute to the protection of water quality for beneficial uses by protecting water at its source and therefore may reduce the need and cost for other water management and treatment options. By preventing pollution, restoring, and then protecting improved water quality throughout a watershed, water supplies can be used and reused by a greater number and types of downstream water uses. Protecting water quality through appropriate pollution prevention is consistent with a watershed management approach to water resources problems.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in wastewater: Significance of unknown precursors, manufacturing shifts, and likely AFFF impacts

Water Research, Elsevier | May 15th, 2016

In late 2014, wastewater effluent samples were collected from eight treatment plants that discharge to San Francisco (SF) Bay in order to assess poly- and perfluoroalkyl

In late 2014, wastewater effluent samples were collected from eight treatment plants that discharge to San Francisco (SF) Bay in order to assess poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) currently released from municipal and industrial sources. In addition to direct measurement of twenty specific PFAS analytes, the total concentration of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors was also indirectly measured by adapting a previously developed oxidation assay. Effluent from six municipal treatment plants contained similar amounts of total PFASs, with highest median concentrations of PFHxA (24 ng/L), followed by PFOA (23 ng/L), PFBA (19 ng/L), and PFOS (15 ng/L). Compared to SF Bay municipal wastewater samples collected in 2009, the short chain perfluorinated carboxylates PFBA and PFHxA rose significantly in concentration. Effluent samples from two treatment plants contained much higher levels of PFASs: over two samplings, wastewater from one municipal plant contained an average of 420 ng/L PFOS and wastewater from an airport industrial treatment plant contained 560 ng/L PFOS, 390 ng/L 6:2 FtS, 570 ng/L PFPeA, and 500 ng/L PFHxA. The elevated levels observed in effluent samples from these two plants are likely related to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) sources impacting their influent; PFASs attributable to both current use and discontinued AFFF formulations were observed. Indirectly measured PFAA precursor compounds accounted for 33%–63% of the total molar concentration of PFASs across all effluent samples and the PFAA precursors indicated by the oxidation assay were predominately short-chained. PFAS levels in SF Bay effluent samples reflect the manufacturing shifts towards shorter chained PFASs while also demonstrating significant impacts from localized usage of AFFF.

Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act Water Code Division 7 and Related Sections (As amended, including Statutes 2016)

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | March 30th, 2017

This pamphlet contains excerpts of the Porter-Cologne Act and other related Water Code sections. The State Water Resources Control Board publishes this collection as part

This pamphlet contains excerpts of the Porter-Cologne Act and other related Water Code sections. The State Water Resources Control Board publishes this collection as part of its public information program. This booklet is provided as a public service. Bracketed headings in Division 7 are not part of the code, but are editorial insertions for the benefit of the reader. While every effort is made to assure accuracy, persons should consult the official version of the California Code when making legal decisions. The California Legislative Counsel maintains the official code, which is accessible on the Internet at: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml.

Post Carr Fire bioassessment data report, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Shasta County, California

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | November 12th, 2024

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, analyzed water and sediment chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, fis

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, analyzed water and sediment chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, fish and amphibian assemblages, fish and invertebrate tissues, instream habitat characteristics, and sediment heterogeneity at 10 stream sites within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Shasta County, California, during August 2020, 2 years after the Carr Fire. The post-Carr Fire data were compared to available pre-Carr Fire data to help determine if there have been wildfire-induced changes in the aquatic communities within the Whiskeytown National Recreational Area. Benthic sediment results for metals of biological concern were compared with consensus-based probable effect concentrations from previously published sediment-quality guidelines. Results from 2020 sampling indicated exceedances of these guidelines at one site for cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc; there were exceedances of the guidelines at three sites for nickel. Concentrations of metals of biological concern in fish and invertebrate tissue samples generally varied among sites and years, with no pattern with specific reference to the Carr Fire. Average zinc and lead concentrations in composite invertebrate samples were slightly higher in 2020 than in previous years, and arsenic levels were lower in 2020 for invertebrate and fish tissues. Post-Carr Fire stream-habitat and sediment-size characterization values did not change substantially when compared to pre-Carr Fire values, or had high variation among all sites and years. Fish and amphibian inventories demonstrated that fewer total fish and amphibians were collected post-Carr Fire, but higher numbers of native Sacramento Sucker (Catostomus occidentalis) and Sacramento Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis) were collected than in previous years. The combined histories of mining and frequent wildfires in the area pose an increased risk for metal contamination throughout the aquatic system. Continued monitoring for multilevel trophic effects of contaminants can provide information about the overall health of the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and surrounding region.

Post‐Fire Sediment Yield from a Western Sierra Nevada Watershed Burned by the 2021 Caldor Fire

American Geophysical Union (AGU) | January 7th, 2025

Potential for Using the Upper Coachella Valley Ground-Water Basin, California, for Storage of Artificially Recharged Water

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | September 15th, 1980

The California Department of Water Resources, through the Future Water Supply Program, is investigating the use of ground-water basins for storage of State Wate

The California Department of Water Resources, through the Future Water Supply Program, is investigating the use of ground-water basins for storage of State Water Project water in order to help meet maximum annual entitlements to water project contractors. This report presents a preliminary evaluation of the geohydrologic fac- tors affecting storage of water by artificial recharge in the upper Coachella Valley, Calif. The ground-water basin of the upper Coachella Valley seems to be geologically suitable for large-scale artificial recharge. A minimum of 900,000 acre-feet of water could probably be stored in the basin without raising basinwide water levels above those that existed in 1945. Preliminary tests indicate that a long-term artificial recharge rate of 5 feet per day may be feasible for spreading grounds in the basin if such factors as sediment and bacterial clogging can be controlled.

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | July 28th, 2022

With California facing a severe drought and wildfire season, public awareness has risen of the impact of climate change as well as state policies to reduce greenhouse gas

With California facing a severe drought and wildfire season, public awareness has risen of the impact of climate change as well as state policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A sharp increase in petroleum prices has led to discussions about expanding oil production and renewable energy sources. These are among the key findings of a statewide survey on environmental issues conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California from July 8 to 15, 2022.

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | August 8th, 2024

Californians have been facing a record heat wave and wildfires across the state this summer. The state’s multibillion-dollar budget deficit prompted spending cuts for

Californians have been facing a record heat wave and wildfires across the state this summer. The state’s multibillion-dollar budget deficit prompted spending cuts for climate and energy programs. In response, the legislature approved a $10 billion state bond for the November ballot that asks voters to approve more funding for drought, floods, wildfires, coastal resilience, and extreme heat mitigation. The deep partisan divide on climate and energy policies surfaced in the presidential debate on June 27. These are the key findings of the Californians and the Environment survey on local, state, and national issues and coastal and inland topics that was conducted June 24–July 2, 2024.