SCCWRP 2011-2012 Research Plan

Approved by SCCWRP Commission - June 2011

Note: Quarterly project updates are available in the SCCWRP Director's Report.

Research Plan 2011-2012

INTRODUCTION

The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority (SCCWRP) is a research institute studying the coastal ecosystems of southern California, from watersheds to the ocean. SCCWRP’s primary mission is to enhance the scientific understanding of linkages among human activities, natural events, and the health of the Southern California coastal environment; to communicate this understanding to decision makers and other stakeholders; and to suggest strategies for protecting the coastal environment for this and future generations.

Each year, a Research Plan is prepared for the SCCWRP Commission (SCCWRP’s governing board) detailing anticipated research activities for the upcoming fiscal year. The Research Plan provides an overview of SCCWRP’s various research foci, as well as specific projects. Four times a year, SCCWRP also releases a Director’s Report containing communication activities and progress updates for each project. Both the Research Plan and Director’s Reports can be accessed year-round on the SCCWRP website (www.sccwrp.org).

When SCCWRP was formed in 1969, its main research focus was monitoring and assessing the sources, fates, and effects of anthropogenic inputs to coastal marine ecosystems. More than 40 years later, SCCWRP continues to maintain prominent research programs in ocean habitats. However, the agency has also expanded its role and broadened its scope more holistically, researching river, stream, wetland, estuarine, and beach habitats. In addition, the agency has expanded its research themes to include not just traditional and highly regulated contaminants, but also emerging contaminants, bacteria, nutrients, habitat loss or modification, molecular biology, and information technology. In response to the added insight, SCCWRP added two new departments last year – Biogeochemistry and Microbiology – to complement the existing biology, chemistry, toxicology, and information systems departments.

This plan is organized by research themes, grouping together projects that answer similar questions or address similar management concerns. Although some projects cut across more than one research theme, reflecting the interconnected nature of SCCWRP research, each appears only once. Project write-ups detail the project description, goals, expected outcomes, collaborators, and funders. This year’s Research Plan contains 50 projects, over 90% of which involve outside collaborators. Such partnerships are a key part of SCCWRP’s success, bringing in added expertise, and helping to facilitate transition of science into effective management applications. Lastly, contact information for the lead investigator on each project is provided, and readers are encouraged to follow up with them for more information.

A. CONTAMINANTS

Extensive population expansion and urban development has placed increasing stress on the marine and freshwater environments of southern California, partly through an increase in the number of pollution sources. Some pollution sources are closely controlled and tracked through mechanisms such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting system. However, many of the more diffuse “non-point” sources are monitored little or not at all. Even where sources are well monitored, there is less information about the transport and fate of these pollutants once they enter the environment. Additionally, there are new pollutants continually emerging for which the environmental occurrence, fate, and risk of biological effects are poorly understood.

Over its history, SCCWRP has undertaken a number of projects that quantify sources, fates, and effects of contaminants in southern California’s marine and aquatic environments. These include studies of mass emissions and historical contaminant deposition. SCCWRP has also developed and refined many new methods for field sampling, and conducting chemistry-, toxicity-, or biology-based assessments. One example is the recent concern over constituents of emerging concern for which little to no information exists. The State of California has asked SCCWRP to help identify and prioritize these compounds, develop new measurement methods, assess the occurrence and magnitude in the environment, and quantify their potential risk in the environment. Without this type of information, perception sometimes outweighs facts making management of these complex constituents difficult.

There are four groups of projects in this section. The first group of studies focuses on measurement, fate, and bioavailability of potential pollutants. The second group advances toxicity measurements into the realm of molecular biology, using genetic microarrays to examine contaminant-induced effects. The third group of studies is centered on improving the knowledge of emerging contaminant occurrence and effects, a group of potential pollutants for which very little is known. The fourth group integrates the study of pollutant fate and effects within the context of sediment quality assessment. These research topics cumulatively produce a more complete picture of the pollution stressors affecting southern California’s ecosystems.

1. Measurement and Bioavailability

Regulatory controls on environmental contaminants are often intended to protect wildlife and humans. To understand the full range of potential contaminant effects, it is important to measure pollutant concentrations at the source, in the environment, and within organisms such as invertebrates and fish. Since its inception, SCCWRP has tracked mass emissions of pollutants from anthropogenic sources to the SCB. SCCWRP has also historically developed contaminant measurement methodologies for quantifying trace constituents (e.g., DDT, PCB, PAH, lead, mercury, copper) at low levels in hard-to-analyze media (e.g., seawater, sediments, tissues). Analytical protocols developed and/or improved at SCCWRP have frequently become the “standard method” used in routine monitoring throughout the SCB. One recent example is the development or improvement of methods for measuring industrial chemicals such as highly bioaccumulative fire retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers or highly toxic modern pesticides such as pyrethroids or fipronyl.

This year’s Research Plan highlights four projects that track contaminant levels at the source and in environmental samples. The first ongoing project continues SCCWRP’s work to catalog pollutant mass emissions into the SCB. The next two will improve scientists’ ability to measure the presence of toxaphene pesticide residues and current use pesticides. The fourth project will address the mounting need for evaluating the potential impacts from brine discharges.

a. Comparative Mass Emissions to the Southern California Bight

Estimating pollutant mass emissions among different sources is one tool used to assess relative and combined risk to the environment. Comparison of mass emissions over time from a single source helps assess whether the discharges are increasing or decreasing, while comparing different sources helps managers to target the discharges of greatest concern. SCCWRP has conducted mass emission comparisons from a variety of sources at periodic intervals dating back to 1971. The data set of mass emissions estimates from large publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) is updated annually and reported at least once every five years. Estimates from other sources (such as small POTWs, power generating stations, oil platforms, and other industrial dischargers) have also been conducted about once every five years. Tracking of stormwater mass emission estimates is perhaps the most difficult because of the large variability associated with storm events; both flow and concentration can change orders of magnitude in less than one hour once rain starts to fall. The last effort to comprehensively characterize and compare all sources occurred for the year 2000.

The goal of this project is to estimate mass emissions from all sources for the 2005 time period in order to determine: 1) combined mass emissions; 2) relative contribution of each source; and 3) trends in mass emissions from each source since 1971.

This is an ongoing project. Individual analyses of 2005 discharges from the point sources of concern have been completed. This year will focus on compilation of stormwater and dry weather runoff data to allow a comprehensive update of comparative mass emissions from all major discharge sources. Future efforts will focus on annual updates of the major discharge sources (POTWs and runoff), while analysis of the other point sources will continue at a reduced frequency.

Lead Investigator: Martha Sutula (marthas@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Member agencies

External Funding Support: None at this time

b. Development of Analytical Methods for Toxaphene

Toxaphene is the generic name of a complex organochlorine pesticide mixture that was used extensively during the last half of the 20th century. Banned in the 1980s, residues of toxaphene are of concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential for toxic effects. However, the environmental fate and behavior of toxaphene is complex and poorly understood, even though it is named as a cause of impairment for several 303(d) listed water bodies within California. The standard analytical methods used to generate environmental toxaphene data (e.g., US Environmental Protection Agency Method 8081) suffer from poor selectivity and specificity for toxaphene. The utility of approved methods is further compromised by profound changes in residue congener profiles in the environment. In recent years, the application of new instrumental techniques and the availability of purified standards have allowed analysts to better characterize toxaphene contamination. Development and acceptance of these updated methods is crucial for confirming reports of toxaphene contamination in impaired waterways.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new determinative method for identification and quantification of toxaphene residues in organic extracts of environmental samples. Matrices of interest for this method include natural waters, aquatic sediments, and biological tissue.

This is the fourth year of a five-year study. In the first year, protocols for processing environmental samples (including fish tissue) for residues of toxaphene were developed, validated, and documented. In the second and third years, SCCWRP focused on the preparation of control materials for laboratory intercalibration and optimization of proposed analytical protocols. In years four and five, researchers will coordinate and participate in laboratory intercalibration exercises.

Lead Investigator: Keith Maruya (keithm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: US Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology (Dr. John Kucklick), Ashland Chemical (Tim Hassett)

External Funding Support: Ashland Chemical

c. Development of Toxicity Identification Methods for Current Use Pesticides

Identifying the specific constituents responsible for the toxicity observed in sediment toxicity tests is a complex task. Because most environmental samples contain mixtures of contaminants, conventional chemical analyses are rarely sufficient to identify the culpable constituents. Identification of the constituents responsible for toxicity is an important management endpoint for activities like site remediation, sediment quality objective compliance, and total maximum daily load establishment. Toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) refers to a sequence of laboratory investigations used to help determine the cause of toxicity. This sequence includes laboratory methods to first characterize the general classes of toxicants present (e.g., metals), and then identify and confirm the specific constituents causing the effects (e.g., copper). Standardized characterization and identification methods are available for water samples, but fewer methods are available for sediments. Moreover, reliability and specificity of the sediment methods are poorly understood.

The goal of this project is to develop and refine toxicity identification methods for current use pesticides in marine sediments. This goal will be addressed through three types of activities: 1) method development studies with spiked water and sediment samples; 2) application of the methods to field sites containing toxic sediments; and 3) collaborative studies with other research institutions.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first and second years focused on adapting existing methods for freshwater sediments and surface water to marine samples and investigating the utility of the methods with field samples. The third and fourth years included spiked sediment and water experiments to define threshold effect levels for legacy and current use pesticides, further refinement of TIE treatments for pesticides, and establishment of a statewide workgroup to improve TIE collaboration and coordination among research organizations. The focus for years five and six will be on refining sediment thresholds for pyrethroids, developing TIE methods for additional pesticides (e.g., fipronil), and improving guidance for sediment toxicity identification evaluations.

Lead Investigator: Steve Bay (steveb@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: City of Los Angeles, San Francisco Estuary Institute (Sarah Lowe), and UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory (Bryn Phillips)

External Funding Support: City of Los Angeles

d. Review Panel for Assessing the Fate and Effect of Brine Discharges on the Coastal Environment

The State Water Resources Control Board is developing an Ocean Plan amendment that regulates the discharge of brines from desalination or wastewater reclamation facilities. Brines typically consist of concentrated salts and any commingled toxic constituents that remain after treatment processes used to generate high quality product water. The brine increases density of the discharge plume possibly causing it to behave differently relative to traditional discharge plumes from wastewater, stormwater or power generating station discharges. The altered density of brine-enhanced plumes could result in less dispersion and the potential for increased exposure of marine organisms to osmotic stress or toxic concentrations of contaminants. Multiple desalination and water recycling projects are in varying stages of development throughout the State, likely resulting in an increase in the number of future brine discharges.

The goal of this project is to recruit and convene a panel of scientific experts to provide the State with recommendations regarding its questions concerning brine disposal. The Panel members will cover a range of scientific disciplines including oceanography, plume modeling, and ecological risk assessment. Several Panel meetings will be held, including one meeting to hear public testimony from interested stakeholders regarding the Ocean Plan amendment. The Panel will produce a report containing its recommendations to the SWRCB including those regarding the fate and effects of brine plume behavior. This will supplement additional information currently being developed for the State that characterizes toxicity in marine organisms due to increased salinity. The Panel’s recommendations may also include a list of data gaps for which future research will be necessary.

This is the first year of a one-year project. Selection of the panel members will occur in summer and the public meeting to receive comments will be held before December 2011.

Lead Investigator: Steve Bay (steveb@sccwrp.org)

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

2. Molecular Methods for Toxicity Assessment

SCCWRP has long held expertise in aquatic toxicology, but existing methods for measuring and identifying the cause of toxic effects are limited in scope. Current methods can quantify the cumulative effects of constituents in an environmental sample via chronic or acute toxicity. With varying success, current methods can even identify which classes of compounds are of greatest concern. However, identifying the specific causative agents or specific modes of biological action can be challenging. Molecular biotechnology provides new opportunities for more thoroughly defining causes of toxicity, which are becoming of increasing management interest with the greater emphasis on biological objectives. SCCWRP research is exploring the feasibility of molecular technologies like DNA microarrays for purposes of source identification and clarifying the relationship between chemical exposure and biological effects. This section of the Research Plan contains two continuing projects and one new project to develop microarrays for toxicity assessment in marine and freshwater environments.

a. Molecular Tools for Toxicity Identification Evaluation

The toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) process is used to determine the causal agents in sediment samples found to be toxic in laboratory tests. This process uses a variety of chemical/physical separation methods and treatments to remove one or more toxicant classes, coupled with toxicity testing following each manipulation. The time and cost associated with conducting a TIE in this manner can be substantial. These approaches have generally been successful in differentiating broad classes of toxicants in sediments, but less successful for identifying individual pollutants. Because sediment TIE approaches rely on acute toxicity testing, they are not applicable to sediments with low-level toxicity that causes sublethal effects. In addition, separation approaches cannot consider synergistic or antagonist effects associated with contaminant mixtures. For all of these reasons, sediment TIEs (or other toxicant identification methods) are not usually implemented, forcing environmental managers to rely on incomplete or inaccurate information to determine the constituents responsible for impaired sediment quality. Improved TIE methods are needed to cost-effectively provide more detailed information applicable to a variety of contaminant types and concentrations. Recent advances in molecular biotechnology may allow development and application of such methods.

The goal of this project is to develop a new suite of TIE tools based on genomics (e.g., analysis of gene expression or protein production). This goal will be addressed through three types of activities: 1) gene sequencing and microarray development for marine invertebrates; 2) development of gene expression profiles for target contaminants; and 3) comparison to conventional TIE methods.

This is the third year of a five-year study. The first year completed preliminary sequencing of RNA from marine amphipods exposed to a variety of contaminant stressors, and developed a prototype microarray. Research in the second year developed gene expression profiles for selected contaminants and evaluated the ability of gene expression analysis to correctly identify sediment toxicants. Research in the third year will evaluate interlaboratory comparability of microarray analysis, and refine data analysis methods.

Lead Investigator: Steve Bay (steveb@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory (Brian Anderson), UC Berkeley (Dr. Chris Vulpe)

External Funding Support: Environment Canada, San Francisco Estuary Institute

b. Molecular Tools for Assessing Contaminant Exposure and Effects

Present tools for evaluating the impacts from contaminants of emerging concern on coastal marine life are limited by an inability to differentiate effects from various contaminant types and cannot be applied to fish collected from the field. Current tools for evaluating the effects of contaminants, such as endocrine disruption, require lengthy and difficult laboratory experiments. Rapid advances in biotechnology have resulted in new tools, such as gene microarrays, that have the potential to simultaneously measure effects on multiple physiological systems, providing a sensitive measure of response that can distinguish between various types of anthropogenic contaminants and environmental stressors.

The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate gene microarray tools for investigating contaminant exposure and identifying impacts on sentinel organisms in the coastal marine environment. This project is comprised of two primary tasks: 1) develop and refine microarrays for use with southern California fish species; 2) compare gene expression responses following exposure to various contaminants. This two-step process is designed to begin associating gene expression with potential biological impacts.

This is the first year of a three-year study. Research in the first year will focus on developing a comprehensive gene microarray for use with marine flatfishes commonly found near wastewater outfalls. The second and third years will use the gene microarray to examine expression patterns in fish exposed to environmental contaminants in the laboratory and in the field.

Lead Investigator: Steve Bay (steveb@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: UC Riverside (Dr. Dan Schlenk), CSU Long Beach (Dr. Kevin Kelley), Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

External Funding Support: Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

c. Gene Microarray for Assessing Toxicity Sources in Wadeable Streams

Toxicity is widely observed in southern California’s wadeable streams, lakes, and coastal lagoon habitats. Results of the first year regional stream monitoring program (see project Regional Watershed Monitoring) found that 47% of streams in the region exhibited chronic toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia. Undeveloped streams showed more pervasive toxicity (i.e., 63%) than agricultural (37%) or urban streams (32%). Potential sources of toxicity have not been determined, but could result from a range of chemicals including metals, chloride, nutrients, or pH-related effects (particularly following fires). Of particular interest is the prevalence of cyanobacteria observed in southern California streams, some of which are known to produce hepatotoxins and neurotoxins (e.g., microcystins). Traditional toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) approaches are unlikely to elucidate effects from biotoxins since they are not specifically designed for these types of “natural” constituents. However, a gene microarray approach holds promise as a relatively rapid, easy to apply screening tool for evaluating potential sources of toxicity. Microarrays have recently been utilized for determining toxicity identification in marine and estuarine fishes (see project Molecular Tools for Assessing Contaminant Exposure and Effects) and invertebrates (see project Molecular Tools for Toxicity Identification Evaluation). However, the method has not been broadly applied to freshwater or stream habitats.

The goal of this project is to develop the capacity to apply the gene microarray approach to freshwater stream and brackish water species to improve the understanding of potential toxicity sources when existing monitoring tools are inadequate. Particular attention will be paid to discerning potential effects of algal toxins such as microcystins from other sources of toxicity.

This is the first year of a three year project. The first year will be used to develop and test gene microarray procedures for Ceriodaphnia dubia and identify potential field sites with known toxicity. The second year will involve applying the microarray to collected samples and analyzing the results relative to physical and chemical stream data. The final year will include demonstration of the microarray as a routine screening tool.

Lead Investigators: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: None at this time

External Funding Support: None at this time

3. Emerging Contaminants

Much has been learned about legacy contaminants such as DDT, PCBs, mercury, and lead in southern California over the last four decades. In contrast, much less is known about the sources, fates, and effects of newly developed chemicals, particularly those only recently manufactured and used in a widespread manner. These so-called “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) number in the thousands and can be classified into four major categories: pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), current use pesticides (CUPs), natural and/or synthetic hormones, and industrial and commercial chemicals (ICCs). Examples of emerging contaminants are oxybenzone (active ingredient in sunscreen), fipronil (an insecticide used to combat termites and fire ants), ethinyl estradiol (active ingredient in birth control pills), and PBDEs (a flame retarding additive in electronics and clothing). Presence of these chemicals in the environment has not been extensively evaluated, often due to the lack of available measurement methods, and therefore their pervasiveness and risks are unknown. Limited studies suggest that some emerging contaminants can exert toxic effects at relatively low concentrations.

This year’s Research Plan contains six projects geared toward developing a better understanding of the occurrence and effects of CECs. The first two are focused on refinement of CEC measurement capabilities using both targeted analytical approach and a non-targeted biological screening approach. The next three projects examine the occurrence and effects of CECs in southern California’s coastal ecosystems and resident biota. The last project provides technical assistance to the state about management concerns regarding CECs in recycled water and ambient coastal waters.

a. Analytical Methods for Emerging Contaminants

The list of CECs is long and increasing. In most cases, though, levels of CECs found in the environment are very low (i.e., parts per billion or less). While existing analytical methods may be appropriate for some target compounds, standardized intercalibrated methods are not yet available for the vast majority of emerging contaminants. Another complicating factor is that a myriad of environmental toxicants are likely to co-occur in the environment. Sampling and analysis of these multiple chemical classes currently requires substantial expertise, cost, and labor. As a result, little to no effort has been taken to measure these constituents, or to match chemical concentrations with biological effects.

The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate analytical methods for detection and quantification of specific CEC classes in various matrices (e.g., water, sediment, and biological tissues) at environmentally relevant levels. The study will initially focus on the more hydrophobic contaminant classes that accumulate in sediment and biological tissues, including current use pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and commercial phenolic compounds. A secondary objective is to incorporate cost-effective passive sampling devices (PSDs) into these methodologies.

This is the fourth year of a five-year study. The first year resulted in the development and validation of analytical methods for pyrethroid pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediment and tissue samples. The second year resulted in the successful calibration of PSDs for selected emerging contaminants, focusing on current use pesticides. The third year resulted in development of analytical protocols for two dimensional gas chromatography and time-of flight-mass spectrometry (GCxGC w/TOF-MS), as well as calibration of advanced PSDs for a broader suite of emerging contaminants. Methods for additional classes of emerging contaminants and for biological matrices (e.g. marine mammal tissue) will be developed during years four and five.

Lead Investigator: Keith Maruya (keithm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Loyola Marymount University (Dr. Rachel Adams), University of Southern California (Dr. James Haw), Duke University (Dr. Lee Ferguson), CSU Long Beach (Richard Gossett), National Institute of Standards and Technology (Dr. John Kucklick), CSU San Diego (Dr. Euhna Hoh), San Francisco Estuary Institute (Dr. Susan Klosterhaus), US Environmental Protection Agency (Dr. Robert Burgess)

External Funding Support: University of Southern California Sea Grant; Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc.

b. Bioanalytical Screening Tools for Emerging Contaminants

Given the sheer number of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), it would be impossible to develop and implement a traditional, chemical-specific approach for assessment and monitoring in the environment, particularly as chemical production and use is continually changing. In their final report, the Science Advisory Panel convened by the State of California to develop recommendations regarding monitoring of these chemicals, encouraged development of bioanalytical screening techniques. Many CECs have no commercial analytical methods, but may pose significant risk due to their large production volume, occurrence, and/or toxic potential. Because these techniques are designed to integrate the biological response to multiple chemicals, they can account for unknown chemicals as well as elucidate the cumulative potency of complex mixtures. If successful, adaptation of methods recently developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for environmental samples would serve to screen for exposure to known, regularly occurring chemicals that act with a similar “mode of action”, such as estrogenicity, androgenicity, thyroid activity, or carcinogenicity. In vitro screening assays are relatively rapid, in most cases commercially available, and relatively inexpensive compared to in vivo testing or chemical-specific analyses.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether selected bioanalytical methods can be used as monitoring tools for protecting the beneficial uses of recycled water. The study will consist of four tasks: 1) survey current literature to determine which assays apply the most relevant endpoints for meeting monitoring goals; 2) optimize the candidate assays for use in specific matrices and applications (e.g. recycled water in California); 3) determine relationships between bioassay responses and higher order biological impacts; and 4) develop a data interpretive framework for bioassay results.

This is the first year of a two-year study. In year one, the most promising in vitro bioassays relevant to human health protection will be selected and optimized using samples over a range of recycled water quality. In year two, the linkages between bioassay response and higher order impacts to human health will be established, and appropriate statewide monitoring uses will be defined for those bioassays that exhibit acceptable performance.

Lead Investigator: Keith Maruya (keithm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: University of Arizona (Dr. Shane Snyder), University of Florida (Dr. Nancy Denslow), UC Riverside (Dr. Daniel Schlenk)

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

c. Occurrence and Fate of Emerging Contaminants in Coastal Habitats

Work to understand the extent of CEC occurrence, related risks, and sources to the SCB is still in its infancy. Recently, limited studies have suggested that emerging contaminants in coastal regions of the SCB may have detrimental effects on wildlife. For example, current use pesticides have been linked to the sediment toxicity in embayments (see project Development of Toxicity Identification Methods for Current Use Pesticides) and levels of brominated flame retardants found in wildlife are among the highest in the nation. Despite the potential for detrimental effects, significant data gaps still exist. For example, little is known about the inputs of CECs to SCB ecosystems. Some sources have been sampled such as treated wastewater, while other sources such as nonpoint discharges have exceptionally few measurements.

The goal of this project is to assess the input, occurrence, and levels of emerging contaminants throughout the SCB. It will identify classes of emerging contaminants that are being discharged into the marine environment, particularly those that persist and accumulate in sediments and biota. Ultimately, SCCWRP aims to gain a better understanding of the relative input, environmental distribution, and potential for chemically mediated effects due to CECs.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first year identified and measured several classes of emerging contaminants in POTW effluent, receiving seawater, marine sediment, and fish. The second year documented levels of PBDEs in marine mammal tissue collected from coastal locations throughout the SCB. The third year focused on documenting PBDE levels in sediment and fish tissue throughout the SCB. The fourth focused on examining the input history of emerging contaminants. The fifth year will feature targeted evaluation of the occurrence of high priority CECs. This will include examination of select CEC classes in marine surface sediments, dated sediment cores, ambient receiving water, stormwater, and biological tissues.

Lead Investigator: Keith Maruya (keithm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Drs. Gunnar Lauenstein, Tony Pait, John Christensen, Tracy Collier, Tracy Rowles, and Dave Weller), United States Geological Survey (Dr. Edward Furlong), UC Riverside (Dr. Daniel Schlenk), CSU Long Beach (Richard Gossett), Southern Nevada Water Authority/Total Environmental Solutions, Inc. (Dr. Shane Snyder), Colorado School of Mines (Dr. Jörg Drewes), Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Bight ‘08 Regional Monitoring participants

External Funding Support: David and Lucile Packard Foundation, State Water Resources Control Board, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board

d. Southern California Mussel Watch

To characterize the spatial extent and temporal trends in coastal contaminant levels nationwide, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Mussel Watch Program has collected and analyzed bivalve species since 1986. Representative samples of locally abundant species are collected from fixed sites during the winter in order to assess long-term temporal trends in trace metal and organic contaminant levels. The program includes 21 Mussel Watch sites in the SCB, with most located along the open coast. This data set has provided unparalleled information on the declines of biological exposure to contaminants associated with source control and increased effluent treatment over the last 20 years. It has also demonstrated that local hot spots still exist in the SCB, and provides a point of comparison between the SCB and the rest of the country. Finally, the NOAA sentinel sites provide a mechanism to monitor the fate of emerging contaminants.

The goals of this study are to: 1) increase spatial coverage of NOAA’s Mussel Watch Program in the Southern California region; 2) provide Mussel Watch contaminant data at Areas of Special Biological Significance and Marine Protected Areas; 3) compare results of passive sampling devices (PSDs) with bivalve accumulation; and 4) identify CECs that warrant inclusion in the Mussel Watch program. To achieve these goals, an additional 13 sites have been established in the SCB. Local agencies collect the bivalves and then contaminant burdens are measured at NOAA’s analytical laboratory. A collaborative effort to select priority CECs for future assessment is also planned as a part of this project.

This is the fifth year of a five-year project. The first year was devoted to establishing new sites and conducting sampling activities. Bivalve and SPME samples were collected and analyzed for trace constituents in the second year. The third year focused on: 1) a second round of bivalve collection; and 2) planning for a pilot evaluation of CEC analytes and co-deployment of PSDs to measure the occurrence of CECs in the water column. The fourth year was devoted to sample analysis by participating labs. Year five will focus on data analysis with the purpose of refining the list of CECs to be included in future regional and national coastal monitoring studies.

Lead investigator: Keith Maruya (keithm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Gunnar Lauenstein), State Water Resources Control Board (Dominic Gregorio), Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (Dr. Jack Engle), US Geological Survey (Dr. Ed Furlong, Dr. David Alvarez), San Francisco Estuary Institute (Dr. Susan Klosterhaus)

External Funding Support: None at this time

e. Science Advisory Panel for the State of California

In early 2009, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted their Recycled Water Policy, part of which addresses CECs. Since regulatory requirements for protection of human and ecological health must be based on the best available peer-reviewed science, the Policy mandated the convening of an expert advisory panel to assess the current state of scientific knowledge regarding CEC risks to the general public and the environment. Among the specific issues to be addressed by the panel are questions such as: 1) what are the appropriate constituents to be monitored in recycled water?; 2) what toxicological information is available for these constituents?; and 3) what levels of CECs should trigger enhanced monitoring in recycled, ground, or surface waters? Recommendations by the expert panel will be used by the Water Board and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to make informed policy decisions on CEC issues. Since many of the same questions are germane to coastal and marine ecosystems that receive treated wastewater effluent and stormwater discharges, a similar approach was initiated in late 2009 to inform future management decisions for the ambient environment.

The goal of this project is to recruit, convene, and support two panels of scientific experts that can provide the State with recommendations for addressing CEC issues; one is associated with recycled water applications and the other for coastal and marine ecosystems. The panels will formulate recommendations based on state-of-the-science information. SCCWRP will then collate and synthesize these for the State Water Resources Control Board, CDPH, and the California Ocean Protection Council in two corresponding written reports (one for recycled water and one for ecosystems).

This is the third year of a three-year project. The first year focused on engaging the panel members in a series of meetings to introduce and address the Recycled Water Policy and ambient environment issues. The second year focused on formulation and documentation of the Panel recommendations for the Recycled Water Policy, and continued discussions with the coastal and marine systems panel. The third year will focus on formulation and documentation of the recommendations for coastal and marine ecosystems.

Lead Investigator: Keith Maruya (keithm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Dr. Geoff Scott); University of Florida (Dr. Nancy Denslow); Colorado School of Mines (Dr. Jörg Drewes); EOA, Inc. (Dr. Adam Olivieri); UC Riverside (Dr. Daniel Schlenk); Arcadis/Boston University (Dr. Paul Anderson); University of Arizona/Total Environmental Solutions, Inc. (Dr. Shane Snyder)

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board, David & Lucile Packard Foundation

4. Sediment Quality Assessment Framework

Many chemical contaminants that enter coastal waters are deposited in sediment where they can accumulate to harmful concentrations and may adversely impact sediment-dwelling organisms, as well as fish and wildlife that consume contaminated prey. Sediments can also be a significant source of contaminants to the overlying water bodies. Thus, the assessment and management of sediment quality is an important component of many monitoring and regulatory programs. Because a number of complex processes influence the bioavailability of sediment contaminants to marine life, a multi-faceted approach is needed to assess their impact on ecosystems or human and wildlife health. SCCWRP has developed tools for the assessment of three key components that influence sediment quality; sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity, and benthic macrofauna community condition. This work has resulted in the development of new approaches for the interpretation of sediment quality data.

The two projects in this section seek to provide further guidance for the State on the multi-faceted framework for assessing both the direct and indirect effects of sediment contamination in marine bays and estuaries.

a. Development of a Sediment Quality Assessment Framework for Estuaries

Estuaries represent the interface between marine and freshwater habitats, adding a layer of physical complexity to sediment quality assessments. Sediment assessment tools developed for marine bay habitats may not be appropriate in estuaries for many reasons including differences in biological communities, salinity differences that affect the chemical form or bioavailability of contaminants, different types of contaminants, and different methods to measure toxicity. There has also been less sediment quality monitoring in estuaries as compared to marine bays. As a result, there is currently insufficient information to support development of estuarine sediment assessment tools. Such tools are needed, though, because the State of California intends to develop sediment quality objectives (SQOs) for estuaries.

The goal of this project is to develop a framework for assessing sediment quality in California’s estuaries. The project consists of four major elements: 1) compiling data on estuarine sediment quality; 2) developing and calibrating methods for evaluating sediment contaminant exposure, toxicity, and benthic community alterations; 3) developing a framework for data integration and interpretation; and 4) developing guidance and tools to assist managers in conducting estuarine sediment quality assessments.

This is the seventh year of a seven-year project. Previous work included the compilation of existing sediment quality data and analyses to identify the characteristics of estuarine benthic assemblages. This research also involved new large-scale sediment quality surveys in the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta. Research during the fifth and sixth years focused on additional data analysis and development of methods for sediment quality assessment in the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta, and the mesohaline portion of San Francisco Bay. Recommendations for revisions of the SQO data integration framework to accommodate the new assessment tools were also provided to the Water Board. Activities in the seventh year will include publication of research findings and development of user guidance.

Lead Investigator: Steve Bay (steveb@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: State Water Resources Control Board; San Francisco Estuary Institute; numerous regulated, regulatory, and non-governmental organizations

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

b. Framework to Assess Indirect Impacts from Sediment Contaminant Bioaccumulation

Sediment quality assessment tools developed to date for the State Water Resources Control Board have focused on the direct effects on organisms living in the sediment. Sediment contamination can also indirectly impact organisms that do not reside in sediments if they are exposed to sediment contamination through the food chain. Key targets for these effects include marine birds, predatory fish, and humans. Bioaccumulation in organisms consumed by humans and wildlife is often a driving factor in ecological risk assessments, especially with respect to DDTs, PCBs, and mercury. Still, the assessment of indirect effects due to sediment contamination is more complex than direct effects and requires a different conceptual approach. The potential for indirect effects on an organism is influenced by several factors, including the fraction of sediment contaminants that are biologically available to prey species, the complexity of the food web, movements of the receptor organisms, food consumption rate, and species-specific variations in chemical sensitivity. No consistent framework yet exists to assess sediment quality with respect to indirect impacts, limiting the ability of managers to fully and fairly evaluate sediment quality data.

The goal of this project is to develop an assessment framework for evaluating the indirect effects of sediment contamination on human health, based on multiple indicators. The project consists of three major elements: 1) developing a conceptual framework for data integration and interpretation; 2) developing bioaccumulation models and other tools for data analysis; and 3) evaluating the assessment framework for various case scenarios covering a range of applications.

This is the sixth year of a six-year project. The development of a work plan and draft conceptual approach for the project, establishment of advisory and steering committees, and examination of case studies were conducted during the first three years. The fourth and fifth years focused on development of data analysis tools, evaluation of the framework and tools within selected scenarios, and preparation of draft guidance documents. Research during the sixth year will include refinement of data analysis tools and guidance documents in response to external review, and journal publication preparation.

Lead Investigator: Steve Bay (steveb@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: State Water Resources Control Board; San Francisco Estuary Institute (Ben Greenfield); numerous regulated, regulatory, and non-governmental organizations

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

B. NUTRIENTS

Nutrient over-enrichment is one of the leading causes of impairment to water bodies in the United States. Excessive nutrient loading causes eutrophication, which is an increase in the production of organic matter in the form of algae and aquatic plants. The effects of eutrophication may include harmful algal blooms, a decrease in aquatic species diversity, hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen levels), poor aesthetics, odor, altered food webs, and loss of critical habitat. In coastal areas, the upstream ecological changes caused by nutrient enrichment can have far-reaching consequences downstream, such as lowered fishery production, loss or degradation of seagrass and kelp beds, smothering of benthic organisms, nuisance odors, and impacts on human and marine mammal health. Unlike most contaminants that transform slowly, nutrients are dynamic, changing forms rapidly and transferring among media (e.g., sediments, water, air) with numerous mechanisms for active biological uptake and release.

Though eutrophication may create significant economic and social costs, the extent and magnitude of eutrophication has not been well characterized in southern California, and data gaps exist with respect to identification and estimation of nutrient loads from various sources. In addition, the factors that control biological response to high nutrient loads are not well understood. SCCWRP has developed a research agenda that addresses these data gaps by studying nutrient sources, transport, transformations, and biological responses, as well as developing assessment tools and models to improve eutrophication management. Studies on the extent of eutrophication and its causal factors will help define critical pathways that regulators can use for controlling nutrient-related impacts. Ultimately, this research should aid policy-makers in developing critical nutrient threshold levels for restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

This portion of the Research Plan features five projects of two general types. The first three projects support regulatory management of nutrients. The remaining two projects seek to improve understanding of nutrient sources, utilizing natural radioisotopes and atmospheric deposition measurements.

a. Technical Support for Nutrient Numeric Endpoints in California Estuaries

In 2007, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), US Environmental Protection Agency Region IX, and SCCWRP adopted a technical approach and framework for developing numeric nutrient endpoints (NNEs) for California estuaries. Their approach is based on two fundamental principles: 1) ecological response indicators provide a more direct risk-based linkage to beneficial uses than nutrient concentrations alone; and 2) a weight of evidence approach with multiple indicators will produce NNEs with greater scientific validity. Current candidate indicators for numeric endpoints include dissolved oxygen, a range of primary producer variables, such as macroalgal and microalgal biomass, nuisance submerged aquatic vegetation, toxin-forming harmful algal blooms, and general indicators such as water clarity, poor aesthetics, and/or odors. While the conceptual approach provides a sound platform for developing NNEs, there are several data gaps that need to be filled before NNEs become a reality. Most importantly, scientists need to define the linkage among nutrient loading, primary production, and impacts to the management endpoints of concern. Without knowledge of linkages among the major stressor-response components of estuarine ecosystems, it is difficult to develop the predictive tools necessary to manage and regulate nutrient enrichment.

The goal of this project is to address the data gaps that preclude a better understanding of nutrient loading and biogeochemical cycling, as well as primary producer extent and distribution in California estuaries. This research will: 1) support the development of consistent statewide standards; 2) provide clear linkages between science-based criteria and impacted estuarine beneficial uses; and 3) provide regionally-specific data for better-performing models to help manage eutrophication.

This is the third year of a six-year study. The first year focused on creating technical teams, initiating stakeholder advisory groups, reviewing the conceptual framework and work plan, and developing detailed study plans to guide technical support activities, including the Bight ‘08 Eutrophication Assessment. Year two focused on identifying a target population of estuaries, proposing a classification scheme, conceptual model development, and conducting literature reviews to support indicator selection. Years three through six will address data gaps with studies that assess the effects of macroalgae on seagrass habitats and benthic infauna in intertidal flats, a literature review to update dissolved oxygen standards, and information synthesis to create an assessment framework.

Lead Investigator: Martha Sutula (marthas@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: State Water Resources Control Board; US Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX; UC Davis (Dr. John Largier); UCLA (Dr. Peggy Fong); US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development (Dr. Naomi Dettenbeck, Dr. Jim Kaldy); 2nd Nature, LLC (Dr. Nicole Beck); Cardno Entrix (Dr. Camm Swift), San Francisco Estuary Institute (Dr. Lester McKee)

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

b. Modeling Interactions among Nutrients, Stream Algae, and Aquatic Life Use in California

Management of eutrophication requires an understanding of the factors controlling biological response to nutrient loads. For example, increased stream algal biomass is one symptom of eutrophication, which is influenced by nutrient concentrations plus a variety of other factors, such as sunlight and herbivory. To account for these complex relationships and limit the adverse effects of eutrophication on ecosystem services, the US Environmental Protection Agency has begun creating a Nutrient Numeric Endpoint (NNE) framework for freshwater streams. The NNE framework utilizes “benthic biomass spreadsheet tools” that relate ambient nutrient concentrations to algal biomass, while accounting for physical factors such as stream flow velocity and canopy cover. However, opportunities to validate the tool have been limited, particularly in arid regions such as southern California. In addition, no work has yet been done to explicitly explore the linkage between algal biomass and indicators of aquatic life use (e.g., community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates) and to identify “tipping points” associated with the effects of higher nutrient concentrations on algal and macroinvertebrate response.

The goals of this project are to: 1) validate spreadsheet tools using existing data sets for southern California and other regions of the State, 2) improve empirical models linking nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), algal biomass (the basis for measuring the criteria), and algal and benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomic composition (the basis for measuring aquatic life use and habitat- or biodiversity-related ecosystem services), and 3) determine under what conditions it is advisable to use dynamic empirical simulation models versus the NNE spreadsheet tools. Data will be compiled from multiple sources, including targeted projects and existing regional and statewide monitoring programs.

This is the first year of a three-year project. The first year will initiate discussions with stakeholders to define the work plan. Technical activities will begin in summer 2011.

Lead Investigator: Martha Sutula (marthas@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development (Dr. Naomi Dettenbeck); Tetra Tech, Inc.

External Funding Support: County of San Diego, US Environmental Protection Agency

c. Nutrient Assimilation in a Small Southern California Stream

Despite substantive anthropogenic nutrient loading, large-scale nitrogen budgets indicate that only about 25% of the nitrogen added to the watershed is exported to the ocean. This suggests that there are substantial sinks for nitrogen within the landscape (e.g., storage in soils and vegetation, volatilization, denitrification). Of the potential watershed sinks for nutrients, streams and rivers are known to play a critical role, owing to several factors; hydrological connection between terrestrial systems and groundwater, high rates of biological activity, and a sediment environment conducive to microbial denitrification. A nitrogen and phosphorus TMDL in Rainbow Creek (located in the Santa Margarita River watershed) provides a valuable opportunity to study the role of in-stream nutrient assimilation within the overall nutrient budget. The TMDL currently assumes that there is no assimilation of nutrients within the creek.

The goals of this project are to: 1) quantify the background concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and algal abundance at references sites; and 2) quantify nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation rates across a gradient of sites from reference to eutrophic condition. Data from this study will shed light on the relative importance of in-stream assimilation to nutrient loss within an impaired stream versus a least-disturbed stream, ultimately aiding TMDL refinement and implementation.

This is the first year of a three-year project. The first year will focus on method development and field sampling. Year two will focus on data analysis, and year three on reporting.

Lead Investigator: Karen McLaughlin (karenm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: None at this time

External Funding Support: County of San Diego

d. Using Stable Isotope Tracers to Identify Relative Contributions of Nutrient Sources

An important component of addressing eutrophication is identifying and reducing specific nutrient sources to impaired water bodies. In any given system, there can be multiple point and non-point sources of nutrients. Nutrients may also be recycled in situ. Stable isotopes of key elements, such as 14N and 15N, show promise as a means to track nutrient sources and cycling. Different substrates (e.g., soil nitrogen, atmospheric nitrogen, chemical fertilizers, manure, and sewage) have unique isotopic signatures, much like fingerprints, that can potentially be used to identify the sources of nutrients to aquatic systems. However, studies using stable isotopes to estimate relative composition of nutrients are uncommon in southern California.

The goal of this project is to use stable isotopes for nutrient source tracking in southern California estuarine ecosystems. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) monitoring efforts in the Santa Margarita Estuary, the Santa Clara River Estuary, and San Elijo Lagoon provide a valuable opportunity to identify the isotopic composition of nitrate, phosphate, and particulate organic matter entering each of these three water bodies, and to begin tracing their sources and transformation processes. Data from this study will shed light on the utility of stable isotope geochemistry tools for nutrient source tracking and TMDL development, refinement, and implementation.

This is the third year of a three-year project. The first year, a study design was developed, sites were identified, and field sampling was initiated at the three estuary sites. The second year focused on data analysis for the three estuary sites. The third and final year will focus on interpretation and identification of sources and transformations from isotopic signatures.

Lead Investigator: Karen McLaughlin (karenm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: UC Santa Cruz (Dr. Adina Paytan)

External Funding Support: County of San Diego

e. Atmospheric Deposition of Nutrients to Coastal Watersheds

Recent data from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC) Regional Stream Monitoring Program indicated that excessive algal cover (>30%) was present at sites with predominantly undisturbed catchments, suggesting that atmospheric deposition may be a significant source of nutrients to southern California streams. While previous SCCWRP research has shown that atmospheric deposition can be a large source of trace metals to southern California watersheds, only limited data exists on atmospheric deposition of nutrients and its contribution to water quality impairments in this region. One reason for the lack of data is that there are no standardized techniques for directly measuring atmospheric nutrient deposition. Inferential methods, which have been frequently used in other locations, are expensive and time-consuming. Surrogate surfaces offer a simple, inexpensive method for direct measurement of atmospheric nutrient deposition, but they have not yet been tested in the semi-arid conditions of southern California.

The goals of this project are to: 1) develop reliable measurement techniques for atmospheric nutrient deposition in southern California’s arid environment; and 2) estimate rates of atmospheric nutrient deposition for a subset of watersheds in this region. Establishing sound measurement techniques is a first step toward characterizing and understanding the impact of atmospheric nutrient deposition on water quality. Several alternative approaches will be tested including active (i.e., pumped) samplers, passive samplers, and surrogate surfaces. The best-performing (or best-performing combination) of samplers will be used to make estimates of nutrient atmospheric deposition. Estimates will then be compared to other sources of nutrients in these watersheds to determine the atmosphere’s relative contribution to nutrient loading.

This is the second year of a three-year project. The first year focused on method development and validation in order to refine sampling techniques for atmospheric nutrient deposition. The second year will initiate a sampling campaign to assess nutrient loading from wet and dry deposition in six reference sites along a gradient of expected atmospheric loading. Year three will focus on data analysis and reporting.

Lead Investigator: Karen McLaughlin (karenm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: US Forest Service (Pamela Padgett), Bight ‘08 Water Quality participants

External Funding Support: County of San Diego, US Environmental Protection Agency

C. BACTERIA

California’s beaches are not only among the most popular, but arguably the most intensively monitored beaches in the world. Each year, hundreds of millions of people visit the state’s beaches while many thousands of water quality measurements are taken to prevent exposure to pathogens. Bacteria are also monitored near the shoreline to prevent exposure to pathogens via seafood consumption. A great deal of expense goes into monitoring efforts, but the existing system is not optimal for several reasons. First, monitoring programs typically use bacterial enumeration methods that require 24 hours to obtain results, precluding same-day warnings in the event of poor water quality. Second, standard bacterial measurement methods are unable to differentiate among sources of bacteria, including whether the sources are natural or anthropogenic. Currently in California, the predominant sources of bacteria to beaches are from diffuse nonpoint (and possibly nonhuman) sources, rather than the predominately sewage sources for which the indicators were originally developed. Because of this, standard bacterial indicators are not always well-correlated with human pathogen concentrations in receiving waters.

SCCWRP research has helped produce new candidate methods for measuring microbial water quality based on recent advances in molecular biology and immunochemistry. These may provide beach monitoring programs with tools that more accurately assess public health risk in a timely manner. New testing methods can also enable the user to track fecal bacteria back to a source and determine if it came from wildlife, pet waste, or a sewage spill. Efforts to record extensive epidemiological information in conjunction with both older and newer water quality testing methods will provide improved insight as to the health risk associated with specific bacterial indicator levels. SCCWRP’s stakeholder coordination, training, and data management activities related to beach water quality enable real-world application of new research.

This section of the Research Plan draws together studies on rapid indicator method development, beach epidemiology surveys, bacterial source tracking and source identification, and bacterial standards for shellfish harvesting areas.

a. Rapid Bacterial Indicator Method Development

Current growth-based methods used to enumerate indicator bacteria (i.e., multiple tube fermentation, membrane filtration, and chromogenic substrate) are too slow to effectively evaluate risk of swimmers’ exposure to waterborne pathogens. These methods require an 18-24 hour period for laboratory incubation of samples, during which time the public may be exposed to contaminated water. Conversely, beaches may have posted warnings or advisories for a day longer than they should be, simply because of the methodological lag in obtaining results. In 2010, a demonstration project was conducted in Orange County that found rapid bacterial indicator measurement methods could be used for making same day beach management decisions. The demonstration project also illustrated that many of the hurdles to implementation were not laboratory-based, but focused on challenges in timely sample collection, transport, and reporting.

The goal of this project is to continue development of rapid methods that can augment or replace the existing methods for indicator bacteria. The project consists of two tasks: 1) conduct a second demonstration study at another beach; and 2) attempt to automate the rapid method so that near-continuous in-situ measurement can be made thereby relieving the non-laboratory based time constraints.

This is the first year of a three-year project. The first year will include a demonstration project at beaches in Santa Monica Bay. Central to this demonstration will be education and training of laboratories and Public Health Officers on how to collect, analyze, and interpret the results from the rapid method. The first year will also initiate the development of the in-situ automated laboratory. This piece of equipment will be capable of collecting and analyzing indicator bacteria, differentiate human from non-human sources, and then telemeter data remotely to beach managers.

Lead Investigator: John Griffith (johng@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (Chris Scholin), City of Los Angeles (Mas Dojiri), Los Angeles County Flood Control District (Mark Pestrella), Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Bernard Franklin)

External Funding Support: None at this time

b. Epidemiology of Nonpoint Source Impacted Beaches

Epidemiology studies are used to determine whether swimmers are at heightened risk of developing illnesses based on a specific activity, such as water contact recreation. Over the last 40 years, there have been roughly three dozen beach epidemiology studies around the world. Of these, less than half were conducted at marine beaches and virtually all were at beaches with known human fecal contamination sources. Current beach pollution in southern California, though, is predominantly associated with nonpoint sources of unknown, and at least partly nonhuman, origin. Previous epidemiology studies have demonstrated that when human point sources exist, quantifiable relationships between the frequency of illness and levels of fecal indicator bacteria (e.g., Enterococcus, total coliforms, fecal coliforms and E. coli). However, some studies have documented that relationships between fecal indicator bacteria and human pathogens are not well-correlated at beaches impacted by nonpoint sources.

The goal of this project is to conduct epidemiological studies to assess the risk of swimming-related illness following exposure to nonpoint source contaminated waters. If the risk of illness increases at nonpoint source impacted beaches, then SCCWRP will examine whether traditional fecal indicator bacteria are predictive of illness. Finally, staff will also examine whether nontraditional methods of microbial detection, including human-specific markers and pathogens, are better predictors of illness than the traditional indicator bacteria.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first three years targeted data collection at three different beaches: Doheny State Beach, Malibu Surfrider Beach, and Avalon Bay. More than 4,000 sample analyses were conducted, incorporating 36 different measurement methods across 24 different laboratories. In addition, over 24,000 beachgoers were recruited into the study to quantify the frequency of health effects in the swimming population. The fourth and fifth years will focus on data analysis and reporting. Based on all of the data collected, more than 175,000 different indicator-swimmer combinations exist. Therefore, this extensive data set requires careful interpretation before conclusions can be reached. The study findings will be presented to both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the State of California for use in the development of new beach water quality standards.

Lead Investigator: Ken Schiff (kens@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: UC Berkeley (Dr. Jack Colford), Charles McGee, Heal the Bay (Dr. Mark Gold)

External Funding Support: US Environmental Protection Agency, National Institutes of Health, State Water Resources Control Board, Cooperative Institute of Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology, City of Dana Point, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

c. Bacterial Source Tracking

The State of California initiated the Clean Beaches Initiative (CBI) Grant Program in 2001 with the aim of protecting and restoring coastal beach water quality. The CBI has helped to improve water quality at many beaches by funding nearly $100M in management measures, such as diverting storm drains to reduce runoff flows, repairing aging sewer lines, and creating natural filtration areas. Despite these successes, a number of beaches with poor water quality remain, primarily because the source of contamination is unknown. A variety of molecular methods designed to distinguish among fecal sources have been developed over the last several years, but the last comprehensive examination of such source-tracking methods was conducted nearly a decade ago. Thus, water quality managers are unsure about which methods are most reliable for their specific application, forestalling mitigation efforts.

The goal of this project is to form a team of water quality experts experienced in source identification methods to create a source identification manual, implement selected protocols at several beaches of high interest to the State, and then transition source identification capabilities to local laboratories to ensure their continuing use after the project is completed.

This is the second year of a three-year study. The source identification team was formed during the first year. The second year will focus on assessing which source identification methods are optimal for differentiating fecal sources, incorporating them into a source identification protocol for the State, and applying the protocol at a series of beaches where the State would like to invest CBI funds to improve water quality. The third year will focus on transitioning the technologies and protocols to local agencies.

Lead Investigator: John Griffith (johng@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Stanford University (Dr. Ali Boehm), UC Santa Barbara (Dr. Patricia Holden), UCLA (Dr. Jenny Jay), Heal the Bay (Dr. Mark Gold), Charles McGee

External Funding Support: State of California Water Resources Control Board, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

d. Shellfish Beneficial Use

Shellfish harvesting is one of the beneficial uses designated in the California Ocean Plan. The current definition of shellfish harvesting used by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) is broad, encompassing recreational harvesting for consumption, harvesting for bait, and commercial aquaculture. The breadth of this definition reduces flexibility to apply the water quality standards most appropriate for each application where it takes place. The current regulations also do not allow exclusions for regulatory threshold exceedences caused by natural contaminant sources at commercial or recreational shellfish harvesting areas. Without a more focused definition of the “shellfish harvesting” beneficial use, management efforts could be misdirected.

The purpose of this project is to collect the necessary information for the State to consider re-evaluating bacteria standards at shellfish harvesting areas based on natural reference conditions. The objectives are to: 1) identify commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting areas on the coast and in enclosed bays/estuaries of California; and 2) characterize the frequency of bacterial water quality exceedences at reference beaches.

This is the fourth year of a four-year study. Tasks in this year will include providing technical support to the State for the critical activities related to the Ocean Plan revisions on shellfish harvesting, aquaculture, and sport fishing beneficial uses.

Lead Investigator: Steve Weisberg (stevew@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: None at this time

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

D. BIOASSESSMENT

Biological assessment or “bioassessment” measures the health of an ecosystem by examining the organisms that live within it. Unlike chemical monitoring that only predicts biological effects, biological communities provide a direct measure of the health of the local environment. Although biological information generates a rich supplemental data source in monitoring programs, it is more difficult to interpret because biological organisms integrate exposure over time and respond to cumulative stressors. Moreover, organism assemblages typically have differential sensitivity to stressors, enabling early detection of potential degradation.

SCCWRP research in this area is based largely on developing assessment tools for interpreting biological monitoring data. These assessment tools take complex biological community data and simplify them into a single index or number that describes environmental health. When placed on a scale of 1 to 100, with thresholds that describe impact to the biological community, these assessment tools prove to be very effective for communicating risk to managers and the public. If sufficiently vetted and tested, biological assessment tools (often in combination with other measures) can provide a technical foundation for establishment of regulatory biological criteria or “biocriteria”.

This section of the SCCWRP Research Plan features projects to develop or improve bioassessment tools and provide guidance for adoption of regulatory biocriteria. There are six projects that are divided into two groups based on their applicability to freshwater or marine habitats.

1. Freshwater

SCCWRP coordinates many collaborative regional monitoring programs in southern California, and participates in several statewide and national efforts to monitor water quality in streams, rivers, and freshwater wetlands. Availability of bioassessment tools that accurately assess local conditions is vital to the success of those efforts. Biological communities may differ significantly, and thus require adaptation, in different parts of the country or regions of the state. Correctly gauging the health of freshwater ecosystems is an essential step in managing and regulating streams so that they meet their designated uses.

In this section, the first project provides technical support for the State’s pending development of freshwater biological objectives in California. The second aims to develop a new assessment tool that can judge the degree of anthropogenic disturbance in streams based on periphyton (benthic algae and diatom) communities. The third is targeted at refining bioassessment tools in nonperennial streams that, although extensive in southern California, are presently unmonitored.

a. Developing a Technical Foundation for Freshwater Biological Objectives

California’s streams are regulated through a variety of programs across multiple State and Federal agencies. A common element of every program is the need for objective assessment endpoints that can be used to gauge success or compliance. Direct measures of biological condition are increasingly preferred as assessment endpoints because they are more closely linked to the beneficial uses or functions that are the focus of environmental protection and management. In contrast, chemistry- or toxicity-based assessment endpoints require inferences about their relationship with the ecological integrity of natural systems. Biological indicators have the added advantage of integrating condition over space and time, thus providing a more comprehensive assessment than traditional indicators.

The goal of this project is to develop the technical foundation for biologically-based thresholds or bio-objectives. This will require at least five tasks, including creating maps of the stream and wetland resources that currently exist, identifying and quantifying reference condition, creating or enhancing biological assessment tools such as indices of biological integrity (IBI), defining a stressor gradient to identify biological expectations for the mapped resources, and setting thresholds of concern for biological condition. This project will begin by focusing on biological objectives for California’s perennial wadeable streams and their associated riverine/riparian wetlands. Similarly, the project will initially focus on benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) and the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM), since data for BMIs and CRAM currently exist for much of the state. Ultimately, the project will develop an approach for integrating multiple biological indicators (i.e., benthic algae) and distinguish water quality impacts from physical habitat degradation.

This is the second year of a five-year project. The first year focused on developing a detailed study approach and initial data collection. The second year will focus on reference site definitions and stressor-response analysis for setting biological expectations. Both of these tasks will help to establish biological expectations for the state’s streams.

Lead Investigators: Ken Schiff (kens@sccwrp.org) and Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: California Department of Fish and Game (Dr. Pete Ode), US Geological Survey (Drs. Jason May and Larry Brown), State Water Resources Control Board, Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, California Coastal Commission (Ross Clark)

External Funding Support: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding via US Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board

b. Development of a Periphyton Bioassessment Tool for Southern California Streams

As primary producers, algae occupy the base of aquatic ecosystem food webs and are therefore a crucial component of healthy, highly functional streams. Many factors control algal growth, distribution, and community composition, such as exposure to light, water temperature, current speed, water chemistry, presence of grazers, substrate types, and channel morphology. Therefore, changes to a multitude of anthropogenic and natural factors can affect streams, as mediated through algae. Many southern California streams exhibit modified hydrology, are channelized, and are devoid of natural canopy. Such factors can contribute to excessive algal growth that, in turn, may impact beneficial uses. Along with information from physical and chemical parameters, algal community measures can be used to interpret stream condition and/or beneficial use status.

This project aims to produce tools utilizing benthic soft-bodied algae and diatom assemblages for bioassessment of stream condition, anthropogenic disturbance, and nutrient impact. This will be accomplished by: 1) compiling a data set of algal assemblage, water chemistry, physical habitat, and landscape parameters for southern California coastal streams across condition gradients; and 2) using this dataset to develop an Algal Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Ultimately, the IBI will be transferred to managers and practitioners through release of the user support materials, training workshops, and demonstration of its application.

This is the third year of a three-year project. Work to date focused on developing protocols for field sampling and laboratory processing of algae to create a robust dataset. In addition, work began on developing comprehensive taxonomic resources for IBI end-users, including a regional stream algae flora, a georeferenced photo library of specimens, and taxonomic keys. This year will focus on developing and screening candidate metrics and testing combinations for a draft IBI.

Lead Investigator: Betty Fetscher (bettyf@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: University of Colorado (Dr. Patrick Kociolek), CSU San Marcos (Dr. Robert Sheath), CSU Monterey Bay (Dr. Marc Los Huertos)

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

c. Non-perennial Stream Bioassessment

Non-perennial streams (i.e. streams without year-round flow) are often overlooked as a beneficial use resource, even though they comprise two-thirds of the stream miles in southern California. One reason for this omission is that the assessment tools commonly used to measure biological community health have been developed almost exclusively in perennial streams. Their applicability in non-perennial streams has not been evaluated or validated.

The goal of this project is to evaluate and adapt existing bioassessment techniques to non-perennial stream conditions. It will involve several key tasks, including identifying the locations of non-perennial streams, quantifying successional changes in the benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) fauna in non-perennial streams, documenting the performance of existing bioassessment tools (IBIs and O/E models) in non-perennial streams, and determining whether there are anthropogenic stressors specific to intermittent streams over the yearly cycle of flooding and drying. Ultimately, an attempt will be made to identify the factors, such as critical flow conditions, that most influence BMI communities in non-perennial streams.

This is the fourth year of a four-year study. The first year focused on mapping non-perennial stream reaches. The second and third years involved intensive temporal sampling of non-perennial stream reaches beginning at the conclusion of the wet season and continuing into the summer drying cycle. Sampling has been completed and samples sent to labs for analysis. Benthic data from other programs was also acquired during year three. Year four will focus on data analysis, assessment tool refinement, and report preparation.

Lead Investigator: Raphael Mazor (raphaelm@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: California Department of Fish and Game (Dr. Pete Ode), Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (Dr. Lilian Busse)

External Funding Support: San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board

2. Marine

Benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates are often used to assess sediment quality because they live in sediments and adapt to site-specific conditions. Interpreting impacts to benthic infaunal assemblages is challenging because of the biological community complexity: hundreds of species and tens of thousands of individuals can be found in one square meter of ocean floor. Benthic indices that interpret these data can be used by managers to prioritize impacted sites, track trends over time, or correlate benthic biological responses with data about stressors, such as chemical contaminant concentrations. SCCWRP has long been involved in efforts to develop appropriate benthic indices for marine sediments and interpretive tools that aid managers in understanding site comparisons. Traditional benthic assessment methods, though, have several drawbacks including the degree of time, cost, and expertise needed to accurately process samples. SCCWRP’s recent efforts involve emerging techniques that may allow a more rapid and cost-efficient assessment to be applied in select instances of marine monitoring. These studies aim to supplement the suite of tools available to environmental managers, rather than provide a “one size fits all” approach.

The first project in this section aims to improve regional comparability of bioassessment tools for marine benthic infauna communities. The two remaining projects are pursuing innovative techniques for sediment bioassessment through photographic or genetic analysis of benthic communities.

a. Development of Benthic Macrofauna as Indicators for Sediment Quality Assessment

Benthic indices interpret complex ecological condition data for environmental managers and the public using a single number that ranks sites on a scale from “good” to “bad”. The benthic index value can be used to prioritize impacted sites, track trends over time or correlate benthic biological responses with stressor data. Unfortunately, benthic indices have only been developed for a subset of marine habitats, preventing their application across large spatial scales. Furthermore, few studies have calibrated multiple indices against each other to ensure that similar index scores indicate similar levels of impact across habitats.

The goal of this project is to develop intercalibrated marine and estuarine benthic indices for multiple habitats. The development of intercalibrated benthic indices will be accomplished through three tasks: 1) compile new and existing benthic infaunal and environmental data; 2) evaluate traditional and novel benthic index approaches for use in California bays and estuaries; and 3) assist the Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Coast Ecology Branch and western states by evaluating traditional and novel benthic index approaches for use in synoptic examination of west coast bays and estuaries.

This is the fourth year of a four-year study. The first and second years focused on assembling data. The second and third years focused on defining habitat-related benthic assemblages, evaluating benthic indices and extending the study into the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta. The fourth year will focus on evaluating and intercalibrating benthic indices for the habitat-related benthic assemblages, and extending the study into Puget Sound.

Lead Investigator: Ananda Ranasinghe (anandar@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: US Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Coast Ecology Branch (Dr. Henry Lee, Dr. Melanie Frazier), USGS Pacific Coast Ecosystem Information System (Deborah Reusser), State of Washington Department of Ecology (Margaret Dutch), San Francisco Estuary Institute (Dr. Bruce Thompson)

External Funding Support: US Environmental Protection Agency, State of Washington Department of Ecology

b. Sediment Profile Imaging for Evaluating Benthic Community Condition

Traditional measures of benthic infauna involve identifying and counting organisms, which is time-consuming and labor intensive. The goal of this project is to investigate an alternate method of measuring benthic community condition: sediment profile imagery (SPI). The SPI is a field-deployed digital camera that captures cross-sectional images of soft-bottom environments. These images, available to scientists almost instantly, can reveal important benthic morphology such as burrows, tubes of infaunal organisms, and the depth of the redox potential discontinuity. While promising because it is so visual, there has not been a direct comparison between SPI-based assessments and assessments using traditional taxonomic-based tools.

The goal of this study is to investigate SPI as an alternate method of measuring benthic community condition. This study will require four tasks: 1) synoptic sampling of benthic infauna using traditional and SPI techniques; 2) SPI imaging analysis; 3) traditional taxonomic identification and enumeration; and 4) comparative assessment of technologies to determine when the SPI technology would be appropriately used for benthic infaunal assessments.

This is the third year of a four-year study. The first year focused on data collection. Side-by-side comparisons between SPI and traditional benthic assessments were taken at over 110 sites in Los Angeles Harbor, Long Beach Harbor, and San Diego Bay. During the second and third years, the images will be processed and the infaunal samples will be identified. The fourth year will focus on evaluating SPI performance.

Lead Investigator: Ananda Ranasinghe (anandar@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development (Giancarlo Cicchetti), Bight ‘08 participating laboratories

External Funding Support: None at this time

c. DNA Barcoding for Assessing Benthic Infauna Communities

Assemblages of benthic species are often used as an indicator of environmental conditions. However, traditional methods for identifying and counting benthic infauna can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This project addresses that challenge by examining a new molecular tool for rapidly identifying species within benthic community assemblages. DNA barcoding espouses the idea that all biological species can be identified using a short gene sequence from a standardized position in the genome – a “DNA barcode” – analogous to the black stripes of the Universal Product Code used to distinguish commercial products. The first step to barcoding is building a library of sequences from known reference specimens. After that, unknown specimens can be identified by looking up their sequences in the reference library. Thus, building a library of benthic invertebrate species barcodes may enable rapid assessment of species composition in benthic infauna samples, which can be translated to correspond with other benthic indices. Additionally, examination of barcode data could reveal instances where reassessment of a morphologically-defined species is warranted, helping to clarify the catalog of benthic marine invertebrate species taxonomy for southern California.

The goal of this project is to assess the efficacy of barcoding for rapidly identifying benthic invertebrate species in samples from the Southern California Bight. The project will involve three steps: 1) establish a DNA barcode reference library of voucher specimens that have been identified using traditional taxonomic methods and have also been genetically sequenced to identify their unique genetic barcode; 2) develop protocols for sample processing, including suitable fixatives that do not degrade genetic material; and 3) determine how to correlate barcode data with existing quantitative benthic indices.

This is the third year of a three-year study. During the first and second years, key partnerships were established with molecular labs for performing barcode analyses, and protocols were refined for creating voucher specimens and uploading data into the Barcode of Life Database. A DNA barcoding workshop jointly organized by SCCWRP and the Southern California Association of Marine Invertebrate Taxonomists, and with participation by SCCWRP member agency staff, resulted in creation of numerous voucher specimens that were submitted to the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding. As this project enters its third year, momentum for creating voucher specimens is growing and “samples of opportunity” are being contributed from additional sources such as the LA County Natural History Museum, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and student projects.

Lead Investigator: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: US Environmental Protection Agency, Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, SCCWRP Member Agencies

External Funding Support: None at this time

E. REGIONAL MONITORING

Between 1995 and 2000, over $30 million was spent annually by federal, state, and local agencies to assess the status of streams, estuaries, beaches, and marine environments in southern California. Approximately three-quarters of this amount was spent by regulated parties to comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. However, the NPDES program largely focuses on site-specific monitoring near permitted discharges, leading to a lack of spatial coverage and regional data integration. Thus, only a small percentage of the southern California environment is actually monitored on an ongoing basis. A complete monitoring approach for southern California must encompass not only compliance, but also regional and investigative monitoring.

Conducting large-scale regional assessments has many benefits to regulatory and regulated agencies alike. Regulated agencies benefit by gaining a regional perspective. Rather than making comparisons to a small number of control sites that may or may not be similar to their discharge site, they are able to compare local results to the entire breadth of natural variability inherent to the ecosystem, also known as the regional reference condition. Regulatory agencies benefit by being able to compare the relative impacts of various dischargers and assess the effects of cumulative emissions. These types of comparisons allow regulators to target resources where management actions are most needed.

Since the 1990s, SCCWRP’s regional monitoring research has centered on the Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program, and it accordingly forms the first component of this section. The next components are related to stream, wetland, and debris regional assessments. Another of SCCWRP’s major foci, monitoring design, is discussed in the last component.

1. Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program

Regional marine monitoring programs have been a focal point of SCCWRP’s activities since the 1970s. Originating with the 60-m survey conducted in 1977, then the reference surveys of the 1980s, and finally the Bight Pilot Project in 1994, SCCWRP has committed to understanding large-scale impacts to the ocean environment. SCCWRP currently coordinates a Bight Regional Monitoring Program every five years that, in total, involves nearly 100 different stakeholder organizations. The Bight programs have been especially useful in establishing regional reference conditions, developing new environmental assessment tools, and standardizing data collection approaches in southern California.

This section of the Research Plan describes the components of the 2008 Regional Monitoring Program (Bight ‘08). The first three, Coastal Ecology, Offshore Water Quality, and Shoreline Microbiology, were also a part of past Bight Programs. The following two, Rocky Subtidal Habitat and Estuaries and Coastal Wetlands, were added for Bight ‘08. (The third new component, Areas of Special Biological Significance, has been completed.)

a. Bight ‘08 Coastal Ecology

Bight ‘08 is an integrated and collaborative regional monitoring program that follows a heritage of regional marine monitoring programs taking place approximately every five years since 1994. Bight ‘08 is being conducted by a consortium of 65 local organizations, each contributing a small part toward a holistic condition assessment of the Southern California Bight (SCB). In this way, no single agency controls the fate of the program, but it is fed instead by interaction and communication. The result is a regional program that has widespread appeal, serves the needs of local agencies, and delivers information directly to managers for improved decision-making.

The Coastal Ecology portion of Bight ‘08 addresses three primary questions: 1) what are the extent and magnitude of impacts in the SCB (and how does this impact vary by habitat)? 2) what are the trends in SCB environmental condition? and 3) what are the levels of contaminants in organisms that may be harvested for seafood? These questions are addressed by measuring numerous indicators of environmental condition (e.g., habitat quality, sediment contamination, toxicity, infaunal communities, fish communities) at nearly 400 sites spread across 13 different habitats ranging from estuaries to the deep ocean basins.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first year was spent planning and conducting quality assurance exercises to ensure data comparability among participating agencies. The second and third years were spent sampling and conducting laboratory analyses. The fourth year was spent analyzing data, making Bight-wide assessments, and completing technical reports for chemistry, toxicity, fish assemblages, and bioaccumulation of toxics in sport fish tissues. This year will focus on finishing technical reports for benthic infauna and writing an integrative report summarizing all of the Coastal Ecology elements.

Lead Investigator: Ken Schiff (kens@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: 65 participating organizations

b. Bight ‘08 Offshore Water Quality

The Offshore Water Quality component of the Southern California Bight (SCB) Regional Monitoring Program focuses on assessing the condition of waters in the coastal ocean. Originally, the regional monitoring focused physical water quality parameters such as conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) surveys to distinguish different water masses circulating in the Bight; a quarterly synoptic survey between Ventura and San Diego Counties occurs to this day. What remains unknown, however, is the interaction between these natural ocean currents, anthropogenic discharges, and biological responses. One good example is the occurrence of harmful plankton blooms (HABs). HABs are a potentially serious consequence of nutrient over-enrichment in the coastal ocean, which can cause water column hypoxia, fish kills, or release of planktonic neurotoxins like domoic acid. HABs occur sporadically, but the sources which initiate and fuel the blooms are not well-understood.

The overall goals of this study are to: 1) quantify the major nutrient sources to the SCB; and 2) characterize the extent, magnitude, and ecological characteristics of algal blooms, with an emphasis on HABs. It will involve three primary tasks: 1) establishing relative nutrient contributions (nitrogen, phosphorus, silica) from four major sources to the SCB (upwelling, POTW discharge, atmospheric deposition, terrestrial coastal runoff), and estimating anthropogenic versus natural nutrient loading to the SCB; 2) characterizing the spatial and temporal patterns of algal blooms, as well as the effects of these blooms, with an emphasis on HABs and specifically Pseudo-nitzschia and domoic acid; and 3) identifying the specific water quality conditions associated with bloom events. Nutrient loading data will be used to assess the timing and magnitude of nutrient delivery to the coastal ocean relative to remotely-sensed and field observations of algal blooms. Ultimately, these relationships will help to discern the mechanisms and conditions that lead to both nearshore and offshore algal blooms and HABs.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first year was spent planning and conducting quality assurance exercises to ensure data comparability among participating agencies. The second through fourth years were spent sampling and conducting laboratory analyses. The fifth year will be spent analyzing data, making Bight-wide assessments, and completing reports.

Lead Investigator: Meredith Howard (meredithh@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: 24 participating organizations

c. Bight ‘08 Shoreline Microbiology

Southern California beaches are a prized resource for their recreational and economic value. An estimated 175 million beach-goers flock to the shoreline each year. Previous regional surveys found that 95% of southern California beaches meet the State’s quality standards for water contact recreation. The remaining 5% were located almost uniformly near flowing urban runoff outlets. Many of these problematic beaches have been resolved thanks to efforts of local stakeholders and funding from the state. However, a large number of chronically contaminated beaches remain where identifying and eliminating fecal indicator bacteria has been difficult.

The goal of the Bight ‘08 Shoreline Microbiology Component is to identify the principal sources of fecal indicator bacteria at chronically problematic beaches in the Southern California Bight. The first task will be to determine what percentage of chronically problematic beaches has human sources of fecal indicator bacteria. Clean up priorities will be given to those beaches with human sources of bacteria. At those beaches without human sources, the second task will be to identify the non-human sources of fecal indicator bacteria. Non-human sources may include sloughing of storm drain biofilms, or re-growth on beach wrack, beach sand, or sediment. These sources will be quantified using traditional fecal indicator bacteria, speciation of enterococcus, and new measurement technologies (see project Bacterial Source Tracking). Another key element in this study will be the development of new methods. This will involve developing standardized protocols for measuring fecal indicator bacteria in sand and beach wrack.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first year was used to design the regional program. The second year was used for development of measurement protocols for fecal indicator bacteria in sand. The third year featured a pilot study to test the new sand protocols and to develop measurement methods for bacteria in storm drain biofilms. The project was on hold during the fourth year. The fifth year will involve sampling and analysis at more than 15 different problematic beaches, as well as data assessment and interpretation.

Lead Investigator: John Griffith (johng@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: 18 participating organizations

d. Bight ‘08 Rocky Subtidal Habitat

Rocky habitat provides some of the Southern California Bight (SCB’s) most spectacular underwater scenery. Giant forests of the kelp Macrocystis pyrifera represent some of the most productive marine habitats on earth. California’s Marine Life Protection Act calls for an interrelated regional network of Marine Protected Areas that would preserve these habitats. However, neither unified maps of hard bottom habitat nor regional assessments of fish, invertebrate, and macro-algal densities currently did not exist for these habitats at the start of this project. Despite the existence of some intensive rocky habitat/kelp forest monitoring programs, there is little data integration among researchers.

The goal of the Bight ‘08 Rocky Habitat component is to answer three questions: 1) what is the distribution of hard bottom habitats in the SCB? 2) what is the range of natural biological conditions in these reef assemblages? and 3) how do these conditions overlay or correlate with anthropogenic factors? A reef index of health will be developed in response to the third question, as this is critical to various resource management concerns and needs.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first year was used to design the regional program, and the second year involved field sampling and analysis. Fifteen organizations sampled more than 60 reefs from San Diego to Point Conception, including the Channel Islands. The third and fourth years were used for data analysis, assessments, and reporting. This final year will be spent integrating and synthesizing the rocky reef information with other Bight elements.

Lead Investigator: Ken Schiff (kens@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: 15 participating organizations, Occidental College (Dr. Daniel Pondella)

e. Bight ‘08 Estuaries and Coastal Wetlands

Eutrophication is the increased production of organic matter through excessive aquatic algae and plant growth, caused in part by increased nutrient loading to coastal waters. The effects of nutrient loading on estuaries and coastal waters have not been well monitored in California, with the notable exception of San Francisco Bay. California lacks consistent, statewide water quality standards to manage the effects of nutrient over-enrichment and eutrophication in estuaries. One fundamental data gap is better articulation of regional differences in biological response to nutrient loads.

The Estuaries and Coastal Wetlands portion of Bight ‘08 will address three major questions: 1) what is the extent and magnitude of eutrophication in SCB estuaries? 2) do differences exist among estuarine classes (e.g., protected embayments, perennially tidal lagoons, seasonally tidal lagoons, non-tidal lagoons, river mouth estuaries) with respect to their biological response to nutrient loads? and 3) how does muting of the tidal forcing within an estuary impact the biological response to nutrient loads? These questions will be answered through an assessment of eutrophication status at 30 sites in 25 estuaries.

This is the fifth year of a five-year study. The first year was spent planning and conducting QA exercises to ensure comparability among participating agencies. The second and third years were spent sampling and conducting laboratory analyses. The fourth and fifth years are focused on analyzing data and completing reports.

Lead Investigator: Martha Sutula (marthas@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: 41 participating organizations

External Funding Support: County of San Diego, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board

2. Regional Stream Assessments

Southern California’s burgeoning population imparts a large number of potential stressors to coastal watersheds, rivers, and streams. Habitat alteration, hydromodification, flood control measures, water diversion, discharge of treated wastewaters, and pollutants in urban runoff can all result in impairments to aquatic beneficial uses. There are a number of monitoring efforts to assess the health of southern California’s rivers and streams, but most of this is located near in-stream discharges where monitoring is required by NPDES permits. These programs cover only 29% of the stream miles in southern California and present a biased picture of aquatic health, since the sites are located near known areas of concern. Like Bight Regional Monitoring, regional assessments of freshwater ecosystems are valuable for assessing the spatial extent of cumulative effects, providing comparative reference values, standardizing monitoring approaches, and promoting data sharing.

This section includes SCCWRP’s main project for monitoring freshwater in-stream habitats, which integrates existing monitoring efforts into a comprehensive regional program. The second project seeks to help guide decisions about effectively managing hydromodification in the region’s watersheds.

a. Regional Watershed Monitoring

In-stream bioassessment monitoring in southern California is currently conducted by over a dozen different organizations. Each of these organizations has disparate programs that vary in design, frequency, and the indicators selected for measurement. Even where designs are similar, the field techniques, laboratory methods, and quality assurance requirements often are not comparable, making cumulative assessments impossible. Another challenge is the lack of an integrated information management system that allows data sharing among programs.

The goal of this project is to implement a large-scale regional monitoring program for southern California’s coastal streams and rivers. A comprehensive monitoring plan that integrates elements of several individualized monitoring programs was designed by the southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC). The plan establishes comparability in the field and the laboratory, performance-based quality assurance guidelines, and an information management system for sharing data. This integrated regional monitoring program is collaborative, so that each participating group can assess its local geography, and then contribute a small portion to the whole regional assessment. In this way, the program can address large-scale management needs and provide answers to the public about the health of southern California’s streams and rivers.

This is the fourth year of a six-year study. The first year involved the development of the monitoring infrastructure including comparability and QA evaluations. Subsequent years have focused on sampling, laboratory analysis, and assessment reports.

Lead Investigator: Ken Schiff (kens@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, State Water Resources Control Board’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, Regional Water Quality Control Boards 4, 8, and 9

External Funding Support: Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, State Water Resources Control Board

b. Assessment and Management of Hydromodification Effects

Southern California is home to some highly urbanized population centers. The process of urbanization has affected stream courses both directly, through channel engineering, and indirectly through altered watershed hydrology (hydromodification). Hydromodification can have adverse effects on stream habitat, surface water quality, and water supply, while the associated stream erosion may threaten infrastructure, homes, and businesses. To address this issue, some state and local agencies have developed standards and management approaches to control and/or mitigate hydromodification effects on natural and semi-natural stream courses. To support these programs, science-based tools are needed to understand causal factors and susceptibility to hydromodification effects.

The goal of this project is to develop a series of support tools for hydromodification management measures that could be used to better protect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of streams and their associated beneficial uses. This project will produce tools to answer the following questions: 1) which streams are at the greatest risk of hydromodification effects?; 2) what are the anticipated effects in terms of increased erosion, sedimentation, or habitat loss with increases in impervious cover?; and 3) what are some potential management measures that could be implemented to offset hydromodification effects and how effective are they likely to be?

This is the fifth year of a five-year project. The first two years focused on collection of geomorphic data from a range of stream sites. During the third and fourth years, screening tools were developed to rank the relative susceptibility of streams to hydromodification effects. During the fourth year, predictive model-based tools were developed to assess expected stream channel response to hydromodification and development of a framework for regional monitoring and assessment of hydromodification management efforts. These efforts will conclude during the upcoming year.

Lead Investigator: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Colorado State University (Dr. Brian Bledsoe), Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, Stillwater Sciences (Dr. Derek Booth)

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board, County of San Diego

3. Regional Wetland Assessments

Southern California’s wetland and riparian areas have experienced dramatic losses over the last two hundred years, estimated at greater than 90% of the historical extent. As a result, approximately 19 state and federal agencies, as well as many local and non-profit organizations, sponsor programs aimed at conserving and managing wetlands. Implementation and coordination of these programs, though, is complicated by a lack of basic information on the extent, distribution, and condition of both historical and contemporary wetlands. Further barriers are presented by the lack of standardized mapping and assessment tools needed to compile such data. SCCWRP’s wetlands research has included efforts to map the present extent and condition of wetlands throughout California, allowing managers to both assess the degree of wetland loss or impairment and monitor future changes. Along these same lines, SCCWRP scientists have examined historical data in order to aid managers in designing effective wetland restoration strategies. SCCWRP research has also provided much of the technical foundation for emerging statewide wetland programs and policies. The current research agenda focuses on support for statewide and regional monitoring and management efforts.

The first three projects in this section will improve systematic monitoring of wetlands across the state. The third is a new project focused on depressional wetlands. The fourth project seeks to develop a network of reference (or minimally disturbed) sites to provide context for wetland monitoring results, while the last explores important historical bases of reference for monitoring southern California wetlands.

a. Status and Trends in the Extent of California’s Wetlands

Billions of dollars have been invested over the last 20 years into the protection and restoration of wetlands and riparian areas in California. The effectiveness of these investments is uncertain because California’s wetlands are not systematically monitored. The existing State Wetland Inventory system is inadequate for assessing status and trends for several reasons: 1) current maps are derived from an inconsistent set of base imagery, dates, and resolutions; 2) maps are inaccurate due to limited ground-truthing; and 3) the cost of comprehensively mapping the state with sufficient frequency to provide an up-to-date analysis of trends is prohibitive. Acknowledging these difficulties, the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory (NWI) adopted a probability-based survey approach to assess trends in wetland acreage on a national level. According to the new system, wetlands within a statistically sampled four square-mile grid will be mapped with remote sensing data, in combination with an adequate degree of ground-truthing, in order to determine the degree of recent wetland change (presented as status and trends or “S&T” plots). The new S&T design is currently being incorporated into the EPA’s 2011 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA). The 2011 NWCA presents an opportunity for California to further the investment in probability-based assessments of wetland extent and condition by intensifying the number of S&T plots in California.

The goal of this project is to increase state capacity for implementing a probability-based approach for monitoring the status and trends in wetland extent. Specific tasks include: 1) create a statewide strategy for monitoring the extent of California wetlands, which incorporates the use of census and probability-based approaches; 2) develop a probability-based design, standard operating procedures, and costs for wetland extent S&T mapping; 3) train regional mapping center partners and inter-calibrate mapping methods; 4) remap/reclassify existing NWI S&T plots to set up a basic California S&T system; and 5) demonstrate a probability-based assessment of wetland extent and condition.

This is the first year of a three-year project. The first year will focus on creating the statewide strategy and developing a sampling design for the S&T assessment.

Lead Investigator: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: California Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco Estuary Institute, CSU Northridge, US Environmental Protection Agency, and US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory

External Funding Support: US Environmental Protection Agency

b. Development of a Statewide Framework for Wetland and Riparian Monitoring and Assessment

California is working to advance its wetland and riparian area protection programs through two major efforts. First, the State Water Resources Control is developing a new Wetland and Riparian Area Protection Policy. Second, under the auspices of the California Water Quality Monitoring Council, the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup (CWMW) has developed and is working to implement a statewide Wetland and Riparian Area Monitoring Program (WRAMP). The WRAMP was developed iteratively with wetland scientists across California. SCCWRP scientists serve in leadership roles on both the CWMW and the State’s technical advisory team for the new wetland and riparian policy. The WRAMP was endorsed by the California Water Quality Monitoring Council for implementation by all State agencies in 2010. The goal of the WRAMP is to produce regular reports on trends in wetland extent and condition, and to relate these trends to management actions, climate change, and other natural and anthropogenic factors, in order to inform future decisions. The WRAMP is focused on answering two basic questions: 1) where are wetlands (and other aquatic resources) located? and 2) what is their condition relative to the rest of the watershed? These questions are relevant to many other state and federal water quality policies and programs.

The goal of this project is to help build a statewide framework for wetland and riparian monitoring and assessment. The objectives are to facilitate CWMW, support implementation of the WRAMP, and provide a technical foundation for the State Water Board's new wetland regulatory policy.

This is the first year of a three-year project. Activities in the current year will focus on: 1) development of standard definition, classification and mapping procedures for wetlands; 2) support and population of the State’s recently launched Wetlands Portal and wetland project tracking system (www.waterboards.ca.gov/mywaterquality/aquatic_ecosystem_health/); 3) support for WRAMP implementation through several large infrastructure projects such as solar energy and high speed rail; and 4) implementation of the riverine wetland regional monitoring program began last year as an element of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition’s (SMC) regional assessment for wadeable streams (see project Regional Watershed Monitoring).

Lead Investigator: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup

External funding support: California Coastal Conservancy, California Resources Agency via the Coastal Impact Assistance Program

c. Assessment of Extent and Condition of Depressional Wetlands

Freshwater depressional wetlands are the state’s most diverse wetland class and comprise approximately 45% of the California’s 3.6 million wetland acres. This class includes vernal pools, freshwater marshes, and wet meadows, and may have near-persistent to intermittent surface water flows that connect them to other surface waters or other wetlands. Depressional wetlands may be natural, actively maintained manmade features, or abandoned manmade features. While they perform the entire suite of functions typically associated with wetlands, depressional wetlands are particularly important as seasonal refugia and breeding areas in dry habitats. Cumulatively, they contribute to groundwater recharge and attenuation of surface runoff, thus reducing the impact of excessive flow to streams, lentic waterbodies and coastal environments downstream, while fostering improved water quality.

To date, the state’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) has focused almost entirely on wadeable streams; most monitoring and assessment of depressional wetlands is associated with specific impact or mitigation projects. As a result, the available monitoring data is limited in space and time, and there is little knowledge about the overall extent and condition of depressional wetlands.

The goal of this project is to establish a foundation for a statewide ambient monitoring and assessment program for depressional wetlands by: 1) developing, modifying, and testing assessment tools for depressional wetlands; 2) developing a sampling design and approach for monitoring depressional wetlands; and 3) demonstrating the monitoring and assessment program through pilot implementation at a subset of depressional wetland types in southern California. This project will also help expand the science of depressional wetland assessment by developing a study design and indicators that could be adopted or modified for other regions of the State.

This is the first year of three year project. This year will focus on developing the sampling approach and testing potential assessment tools.

Lead Investigator: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: CSU San Marcos (Dr. Robert Sheath), UC Berkeley (Kevin Lunde)

External Funding Support: San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Boards; California Resources Agency via the Coastal Impact Assistance Program; US Environmental Protection Agency

d. Development of a Statewide Network of Reference Wetlands for California

Interpretation of regional monitoring data requires the context of past trends, as well as the relationship of specific sites or projects to regional conditions. Reference sites can provide such context. Defining reference conditions provides a scientifically-defensible basis upon which to measure the inherent natural variability of wetlands. Reference wetlands help define appropriate expectations or targets for management actions that affect wetland condition, including restoration and mitigation projects. This project represents an important first step toward the development of a reference wetland network for California, which does not currently exist. It will also help to establish a formal process for refinement of CRAM training and quality assurance practices via a network of regional audit teams, formed to support CRAM implementation within state and federal monitoring and regulatory programs.

The goals of this project are to: 1) establish a conceptual approach for the development of a statewide network of reference wetlands; 2) select reference sites for targeted wetland classes in selected regions (e.g., Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, Sierra bioregions); and 3) evaluate the proposed reference sites using the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM).

This is the final year of a four-year project. The first year focused on drafting a concept white paper about how the reference wetland network will be developed for California. The second year focused on initial site selection and assembling audit teams for the Central Valley and Sierra bioregions. The third year targeted implementation of base statewide assessments along with selected bioregion intensification. The fourth year will focus on conducting intercalibration exercises among regional teams, final site selection via regional technical workgroups, and drafting a technical memorandum on audit team development and funding.

Lead Investigator: Chris Solek (chriss@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: San Francisco Estuary Institute (Dr. Josh Collins), Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District (Dr. Chad Roberts), Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (Ross Clark)

External Funding Support: US Environmental Protection Agency

e. Historical Ecology of Coastal Watersheds

Historical ecology, where the historical extent and distribution of stream and wetlands in southern California’s coastal watersheds is mapped, is a valuable resource management tool. For example, knowledge of the wetland status circa 1870 provides environmental managers, scientists, and the public answers to a range of key questions about the restoration potential of contemporary watersheds, such as where to leave streams accessible to daylight, or how to lay out a landscaping palette of native vegetation for restoration projects. Historical ecology requires the acquisition, georeferencing, digitizing, and interpretation of historic coastal topographic maps (t-sheets). However, much more information is also needed to help fill in data gaps, cross-reference facts, and make estimations for interim time periods. Specifically, information on wetland and riparian habitat must be gathered, especially in relation to natural events and management activities within the watershed, such as floods, fires, agriculture, channel modifications, and water diversions and impoundments.

The goals of this project are to develop a framework and infrastructure for compiling sentinel data sets on historic condition, and to use these data to evaluate how the distribution of wetlands has changed over time, specifically in response to key changes in land use or stream management. The changes to be examined include distribution of wetland and riparian habitat during the period from 1850-1910, structure and composition of riparian habitat, riparian structure of the floodplain in wet vs. dry years, and spatial distribution of wetland and riparian vegetation community types and wildlife species.

This is the third year of an ongoing watershed historical ecology program. Previously, a historical analysis was completed for the San Gabriel River and an analysis of historical coastal survey t-sheets resulted in publication of a historical coastal wetland atlas. This year will focus on the lower Ventura River, lower Santa Clara River, and Ballona Creek watersheds. In addition, a new project focusing on several north San Diego Lagoons will be initiated this year.

Lead Investigator: Eric Stein (erics@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: San Francisco Estuary Institute (Robin Grossinger), CSU Northridge (Dr. Shauna Dark), University of Southern California (Dr. Travis Longcore), Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission (Dr. Shelley Luce)

External Funding Support: Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, California Coastal Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife Service

4. Monitoring Design

SCCWRP scientists have lent expertise to monitoring program design since the 1970s. Initial designs monitored the area around POTW outfalls, but these designs expanded and changed as larger regionally-focused programs came into being. SCCWRP conducted several surveys from the late 1970s to 1990 that examined transects of the Southern California Bight (SCB). As the Bight Regional Monitoring Program was developed starting in the mid-1990s, stratified random sampling designs were relied upon to extrapolate data and estimate conditions in the SCB as a whole. Monitoring designs for the Bight program have since been refined to maximize availability of meaningful data while minimizing needed effort and expense. SCCWRP’s current research agenda continues to improve upon monitoring designs to balance these goals.

This section of the Research Plan houses three projects. The first two are aimed at improving monitoring designs using spatial, probabilistic, and multi-variate statistical analysis tools. The third examines consistency in monitoring design and compliance assessment for offshore effluent plumes.

a. Spatial Sampling Designs for Mapping

Maps are useful tools for understanding the marine environment. Using maps, resource managers can quickly locate disturbances, evaluate cumulative effects resulting from multiple sources or types of disturbance, weigh risks to neighboring areas, and assess the relative magnitude and spatial extent of contamination. Perhaps most importantly, maps are an effective and efficient media for communicating information to the public. Despite these benefits, there has been little success in developing statistically-defensible maps of environmental quality and aquatic resources in coastal regions. Sparse sampling grids and simple interpolation methods may not reliably predict environmental conditions at non-sampled locations, and do not provide estimates of precision.

The goal of this project is to provide general guidelines to monitoring programs on how to capture the necessary spatial information for constructing scientifically-defensible maps of environmental impact. This project will apply the kriging method of interpolation to predict chemical and biological parameters associated with non-sampled locations. SCCWRP will also investigate practical and cost-efficient sampling strategies for augmenting existing monitoring designs, with a focus on estimating spatial correlation and building sound predictions. In particular, a variogram will be used to model spatial variability and to translate this information into cost-efficiency curves (prediction error vs. sampling density) for enhancing future surveys. Such curves will allow resource managers to weigh the relative benefit in increased accuracy from contributing additional samples to the map.

This is the fifth year of a five-year project. Previously, SCCWRP helped develop a sophisticated monitoring design, implement sampling, and apply intensive iterative analysis using robust spatial statistics surrounding San Diego’s two ocean discharge sites. Last year, a similar mapping study was initiated with the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). The fifth year will focus on both regions in order to create statistically defensible maps of their respective continental shelf habitats. Activities will include variogram modeling, cost-efficiency analysis for monitoring approaches, and creation of statistically defensible maps of the continental shelf near both OCSD and City of San Diego’s ocean outfalls.

Lead Investigator: Kerry Ritter (kerryr@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: City of San Diego, Colorado State University (Dr. Scott Urquhart), Orange County Sanitation District

External Funding Support: Orange County Sanitation District

b. Improving Probabilistic Surveys of Environmental Condition to Include Trend Detection

Most regulatory-based environmental monitoring programs focus on going to the same sites repeatedly over time. While this type of sampling design provides tremendous information about temporal trends, it provides little information on the condition of the area beyond those sites. Over the last 15 years, SCCWRP has led an effort to integrate probability-based survey designs into the Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Programs. Probability-based designs provide invaluable information about the spatial extent of environmental condition, such as “how many acres of marine habitat are impacted?” or “how many stream miles are impaired?” Still, they are not optimized for trend detection.

The goal of this project is to create a survey design that can be used to effectively describe both spatial extent and temporal trends. This should address the needs of environmental decision-makers to detect increases (or decreases) in the magnitude of disturbance over time. While some work has been conducted to optimize spatial extent and trends in a single sampling design, this has rarely been done in southern California, particularly in marine ecosystems. This project will focus on estimating the variability between sites and sampling periods (up to 10 years), as well as the magnitude of change. This information will be used to perform a cost-efficiency analysis to optimize allocation of sampling effort.

This is the third year of a three-year project. The first and second years focused on estimating the temporal components of variability relative to the overall variability for Bight ‘08 data. In the third year, the temporal variability estimates will be used to confirm trends in spatial extent as well as optimizing different sampling allocations across time/space for assessing trends in future Bight Regional Monitoring Programs.

Lead Investigator: Kerry Ritter (kerryr@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Bight ‘08 Regional Monitoring participants

External Funding Support: None at this time

c. Water Quality Compliance Assessment for Offshore Outfalls

Compliance with water quality objectives must be based on a standardized, scientifically-grounded approach to collecting and interpreting data. In southern California, publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) that discharge treated effluent via offshore outfalls are required to assess whether their discharge results in deviation from water quality objectives as stated in California’s Ocean Plan. While the POTWs in southern California have collaborated effectively over the last 13 years to implement a regional monitoring program that provides the data necessary to assess physical water quality offshore, they have not yet developed a shared approach for interpreting whether these monitoring data demonstrate compliance with the Ocean Plan. The regional monitoring program consists of extensive quarterly surveys that measure water quality parameters at more than 300 sites along fixed transects near discharges and at far-field reference areas from Oxnard to San Diego. These surveys provide depth-continuous measurements of conductivity, temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen, pH, transmissivity, and chlorophyll and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) fluorescence, collectively known as CTD+. CTD+ measurements are also coupled with static water sampling at a subset of sites for parameters not measured by the CTD sampling device (e.g., nutrients, enteric bacteria).

The goal of this project is to provide a scientific foundation for development of a shared compliance assessment framework for coastal southern California POTWs. The project consists of four tasks. The first is to determine the extent to which CTD+ parameters can be used to define the spatial extent of outfall plumes. Currently, plume extent is derived from parameters measured by static water sampling, which is costly and spatially limited. More promising methods involve continuous measurement by CTD+ casts of CDOM fluorescence in combination with other parameters. On the basis of these data, a multi-metric index will be developed and compared to traditional methods. The second task involves quantifying instrument-related variability associated with the parameters of interest. To accomplish this, statistical analysis of the existing dataset will be carried out to quantify variability associated with instrument calibration, post-calibration drift, and small-scale spatial variability. The third task seeks to define “reference” conditions, in which a reference envelope will be developed in the context of spatial (e.g., cross-shelf, along-shelf, depth) and temporal (e.g., seasonal, interannual) variability.

This is the second year of a two-year project. The first year consisted of project planning and preliminary data analysis. The second year will be spent answering the proposed questions.

Lead Investigator: Nikolay Nezlin (nikolayn@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, Orange County Sanitation District, City of San Diego, State Water Resources Control Board

External Funding Support: None at this time

F. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

A major ongoing challenge for environmental assessments is to collate and standardize various monitoring data sets. These data sets, which may be large in number, often exist in multiple forms including paper, spreadsheets, reports, and databases. Even for those datasets that are stored electronically, there are a multitude of formats for access, export, and analysis. Many of SCCWRP’s projects, such as the Bight program, have spurred the development of standardized data transfer formats. Standardized data transfer formats enable collation of comprehensive data sets based on contributions from many participating groups. SCCWRP’s data management projects ranging from local to statewide efforts have provided a model for successful data sharing.

This year’s Research Plan includes three data management projects that strengthen SCCWRP’s role as a regional data center in both southern California and the state. The first provides data management assistance for the State’s main ambient monitoring program. The second assists a national effort by the EPA to monitor coastal regions. The third focuses on management of beach water quality data in California.

a. Southern California Regional Data Center

The State of California and the US Environmental Protection Agency are charged with evaluating the status of beneficial uses for water bodies within the State of California every two years. One important component of this assessment is the creation of the 303(d) list, or list of impaired water bodies. This assessment is also the foundation for reports to legislature on the status of water quality and success of water quality management programs. Data for these assessments can be obtained through the State’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Because SWAMP’s former centralized data repository could not keep up with the demands of data users, the State implemented a new distributed database model called the California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN). CEDEN is a network of federal, state, county, and private organizations interested in the exchange and sharing of water quality and other environmental data from California. To facilitate participation by a rapidly growing number of agencies, CEDEN is fed data via four regional data centers. The Southern California Regional Data Center (SCRDC) is housed at SCCWRP.

The overall goal of creating the distributed data center model is to improve data sharing among existing monitoring programs and CEDEN to allow for effective and efficient water body assessments statewide. The project consists of four tasks: 1) facilitate development of the CEDEN data structures with data users and the other regional data centers; 2) recruit regional participants and load environmental data into the CEDEN system; 3) develop information tools to support CEDEN output; and 4) provide technical support to data users. Specifically, SCCWRP will offer users technical assistance with a web-based data submission tool, and will work to provide web-based access to SWAMP data by creating user-friendly queries to extract data and other information.

This is an ongoing project. In the next year, SCCWRP will collaborate with CEDEN and other Data Center partners to develop data visualization and extraction tools. In addition, staff will work on the technical task of connecting the SCRDC to the CEDEN server.

Lead Investigator: Steve Steinberg (steves@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (Rusty Fairey, Mark Pranger), State Water Resources Control Board, San Francisco Estuary Institute (Dr. John Oram, Cristina Grosso), UC Davis (Dr. Michael Johnson, Melissa Turner), Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, Citizen-monitoring groups

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

b. National Coastal Assessment Data Management

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Coastal Assessment is a nationwide effort to answer broad-scale questions on environmental conditions. One of the largest components of the program is the partnership with coastal states to develop a nationally integrated monitoring network. EPA uses the data from the national monitoring network to prepare a periodic report to congress called the National Coastal Condition Report. Collaborating with EPA on these assessments not only ensures that California is accurately represented, but also enables SCCWRP to compare the Southern California Bight to the rest of nation.

The goal of this project is to provide data management for the 2010 National Coastal Assessment field and laboratory efforts in California. Data will be placed in a relational database, for which the structure was established in cooperation with EPA. SCCWRP will review submitted data to ensure that they are complete and have been formatted correctly. SCCWRP will also integrate the individual data sets and transmit final data sets to the EPA.

This is the second year of a two-year project. SCCWRP will continue to work with data-collecting agencies in California until all data is submitted.

Lead Investigator: Shelly Moore (shellym@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

External Funding Support: US Environmental Protection Agency

c. Beach Watch Data Management

Historically, storage of beach water quality data collected by California’s county environmental health departments has been disparate and unconnected. To maximize consistency among data used to determine compliance with the legislation (AB411) requirements, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) enlisted SCCWRP’s assistance in creating a standardized data transfer system. From 1999 through 2001, SCCWRP created and implemented a database system designed to make data transfer from California’s county health agencies to the SWRCB simpler and more consistent. In addition, special features were included in the database system to make data easier to input, and to easily enable data analysis and reporting. This system was initially deployed for southern California county health departments, but its successful use in southern California led to its implementation in the rest of the state by 2006. Due to the success of this project, the State Water Resources Control Board decided to enlist SCCWRP’s assistance in all aspects of data management for beach water quality programs in California. In addition to providing database support, SCCWRP designed and implemented a new web-based data submission system this past year for all California coastal environmental health agencies. Data submitted to SCCWRP’s system will be made available through the Water Quality Monitoring Council’s website.

The goal of this project is for SCCWRP to provide continued database support for coastal environmental health departments and data management for the State Water Resources Control Board, to ensure successful submission and storage of beach water quality data.

This is an ongoing project. SCCWRP has developed a new web portal system for data submissions, and will continue to assist environmental health agencies with data submissions, maintaining their local databases, and fulfilling unique data requests (e.g., creating specialized data reports).

Lead Investigator: Steve Steinberg (steves@sccwrp.org)

Collaborators: City of Long Beach, 15 coastal county health departments

External Funding Support: State Water Resources Control Board

G. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH

The SCCWRP staff provides on-call technical support for member agencies. This on-call support comes in many forms such as training, quality assurance evaluations and audits, field and laboratory assistance, monitoring guidance, administration support, technical review, information requests, outreach, and communication.

SCCWRP 2011-2012 Research Plan

Approved by SCCWRP Commission - June 2011

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

A. CONTAMINANTS

1. Measurement and Bioavailability

2. Molecular Methods for Toxicity Assessment

3. Emerging Contaminants

4. Sediment Quality Assessment Framework

B. NUTRIENTS

C. BACTERIA

D. BIOASSESSMENT

1. Freshwater

2. Marine

E. REGIONAL MONITORING

1. Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program

2. Regional Stream Assessments

3. Regional Wetland Assessments

4. Monitoring Design

F. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

G. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH

Research Plan 2011-2012

INTRODUCTION

A. CONTAMINANTS

1. Measurement and Bioavailability

2. Molecular Methods for Toxicity Assessment

3. Emerging Contaminants

4. Sediment Quality Assessment Framework

B. NUTRIENTS

C. BACTERIA

D. BIOASSESSMENT

1. Freshwater

2. Marine

E. REGIONAL MONITORING

1. Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program

2. Regional Stream Assessments

3. Regional Wetland Assessments

4. Monitoring Design

F. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

G. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH