Los Angeles Basin Contaminated Sediments Task Force

Summary of Watershed and Source Reduction Committee Meeting
July 21, 1999

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CH2M-Hill Study

Earl Byron, CH2M-Hill, and Tony Risko, COE, reported on progress with the stormwater study for Ballona Creek/Marina del Rey. A report on existing conditions within Marina del Rey and Ballona Creek should be out soon. The back channels of the marina appear to have poor water quality, with more stagnant conditions, lower dissolved oxygen levels, high nutrient concentrations and higher bacteriological levels, in comparison to the entrance channel. A study conducted by CALTRANS in 1996-97 at drain inlets adjacent to freeways throughout Los Angeles found that lead and zinc levels were high throughout the watershed. At this point, we do not know the source of the lead residues (perhaps aerial transport?) or zinc.

The Corps has modeled loadings for various constituents using NURP data. They plan to redo the model using LA County Department of Public Works’ land-use data.

CH2M-Hill proposed additional sampling of sediments within storm drain channels in the Ballona watershed, to be completed within one year. This study will be implemented with funds provided by LACDPW. It would be possible to sample some additional stations, if we wish to target some contaminant source hot spots (e.g., auto dismantlers, Baldwin Hills oil field, La Brea tar pits).

Tony Risko agreed to distribute the proposed sampling plan to interested subcommittee members for comment and will provide the report on the studies reviewed.

LA County Department of Public Works

Copies of the executive summary of the LACDPW stormwater report were distributed. LACDPW agreed to send copies of the entire report to the subcommittee members. We plan to have a presentation by LACDPW at the next subcommittee meeting.

Data Gaps Report

We agreed to develop a draft data gaps report based on the earlier report prepared by Heal the Bay outlining further analysis needed of existing storm water data. This data gaps report will be distributed to the entire Task Force, along with the reports from the other subcommittees, for review and comment.

Next Meeting

The next Watershed meeting will be held on Thursday, August 26, 1999, from 10 am to noon at the Los Angeles Regional Board’s office.

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