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1 HEL THE BY

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3 Heal the Bay s 20th nnual Beach Report Card May 26, 2010 Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. We use research, education, community action and advocacy to pursue our mission. The Beach Report Card program is funded by grants from: The Diller - von Furstenberg Family Foundation Grousbeck Family Foundation Carlson Family Foundation, Inc Heal the Bay. ll Rights Reserved. The fishbones logo is a trademark of Heal the Bay. The Beach Report Card is a trademark of Heal the Bay.

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5 Heal the Bay s 20th nnual Beach Report Card Executive Summary... 1 Introduction What Type of Water Pollution is Measured? Heal the Bay s Grading System What Does This Mean to the Beach User? Why Not Test for Viruses? California nalyses The Beach Report Card by County San Diego Beach Types and Water Quality BRC Impacts Recommendations for the Coming Year cknowledgements ppendix ppendix B ppendix C Credits Orange Los ngeles Ventura Santa Barbara San Luis Obispo Monterey Santa Cruz San Mateo San Francisco Contra Costa and lameda Marin Sonoma Mendocino Humboldt Del Norte... 39

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7 EXECUTIVE SUMMRY Heal the Bay s 20th nnual Beach Report Card provides water quality information to the millions of people who swim, surf, or dive in California coastal waters. Essential reading for ocean users, the report card grades over 450 locations for summer dry weather (over 320 locations year-round) on an -to-f scale based on the risk of adverse health effects to beachgoers. The grades are based on fecal bacteria pollution levels in the surfzone. The program has evolved from an annual review of beaches in Santa Monica Bay to weekly updates of all monitored beaches throughout California. ll of this information is available in print, on Heal the Bay s website, and at California beaches are a precious natural and economic resource. Poor water quality not only threatens the health of swimmers and beachgoers but also hurts California s ocean-dependent economy valued at $43 billion (NOEP, 2005). Each year between 150 million and nearly 400 million visits are made to California beaches (Pendleton et al., 2006). Ocean water quality monitoring is vital to ensuring the health protection of the millions who recreate in state waters. Since the nnual Beach Report Card was first published twenty years ago, beachgoers throughout California have come to rely on the grades produced within the weekly, summer and annual documents as a vital public health protection tool. In September 2008, Gov. rnold Schwarzenegger s line-item veto of state beach monitoring funds severely impacted public health protection throughout the state. Nearly $1 million in funding was axed from the critical beach water quality monitoring programs used by counties to fund the collection and processing of ocean water samples as well as posting of signage at beaches to notify the public of potential health risks. Monitoring efforts were at risk of going away in San Diego, Venice Beach Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties last summer due to the ongoing state budget crisis. Fortunately, local monies were acquired in time to provide this invaluable service to the beachgoing public. The State Water Resources Control Board directed Prop 13 Clean Beach Initiative grant funds to backfill the beach monitoring funds from July 1, 2008 through June 30, The Board recently approved using merican Recovery and Reinvestment ct (RR) stimulus funds to extend the monitoring season to include the rest of However, beginning in 2011, there is no secured source of state funding and the federal BECH ct funding to California (about $500k) is woefully inadequate. Heal the Bay will continue working with the State and local governments to ensure that funding is secured. In light of the uncertainty of future funding for these public health programs, counties such as Orange County have begun to integrate and streamline multiple agencies efforts into a model 1

8 monitoring program. model monitoring program attempts to integrate the sampling resources of wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater programs, and beach managers or environmental health programs. Model monitoring programs are developed to eliminate redundancy, allocate monitoring resources more efficiently, and provide greater public health protection. One of the main reasons Los ngeles County s shoreline monitoring program was not impacted by the State budget issues was because it has had a model monitoring program in place since the mid 1990s. U.S. EP Region IX funded and Heal the Bay published the report Public Health Protection at Marine Beaches in That report recommended elements to include in a model monitoring program. Other counties have pursued creative funding alternatives to ensure that sampling would continue to take place at beaches year-round. For instance, Santa Barbara Channel Keeper (SBCK), a Santa Barbara based environmental group, was able to sample a number of local beaches during the rainy season in lieu of the local county health agency this past winter. Last winter SBCK self-funded the winter monitoring initiative when state funding was at its bleakest. In fall of 2009 Santa Barbara County committed to two winters of funding for SBCK. By rroyo Burro, Santa Barbara County working together, Santa Barbara has ensured yearround monitoring in the county at least through March lthough beach water quality monitoring funding has seen cutbacks before (state funding was reduced by 10% in 2007) the complete elimination of state funding in 2008 sent a message to the oceangoing public that their health is not a priority. It is imperative that government officials, county and state health departments, and NGOs strive towards a long term solution that will permanently restore funding to counties beach and bay water quality monitoring programs. Not only is beach Oceanside Beach, San Diego County monitoring a public health priority, a recent study stated that excellent water quality promoted beach attendance and greatly contributed to local economic benefits. (Pendleton et al., 2006) s a direct result of funding uncertainties, we have seen a marked and steady decline in the number of beaches monitored throughout California. 46 fewer beaches were monitored this year compared to in 2008 before program funding was stricken from the state budget. Continued efforts must be made to ensure that adequate funding becomes available for water quality monitoring immediately and that a long term solution is found to ensure that this funding crisis does not occur again. 2

9 Most California beaches had very good to excellent water quality this past year, with 294 of 326 (90%) locations receiving very good to excellent ( and B) grades for the year during dry weather. Lower grades during the same time period included 12 Cs (4%), 7 Ds (2%) and 13 Fs (4%). Southern California (Santa Barbara through San Diego) dry weather grades (91% and B grades) were actually slightly better than the state average for the first time in recent memory. In the San Francisco Bay rea (Marin through San Mateo), the summer dry weather grades were excellent on the ocean-side with 98% (41 of 42) of the locations receiving an grade, and good on the bay-side with 21 of 26 (81%) receiving or B grades. 40 of 68 (59%) of Bay rea locations were monitored yearround. Year-round dry weather water quality on the ocean-side was excellent with 17 of 18 (94%) of the monitoring locations receiving an grade, and fair on the bay-side with 16 of 22 (73%) receiving or B grades. The disparity between dry and wet weather water quality continues to be dramatic, thereby demonstrating that California is not successfully reducing stormwater runoff pollution. This year s (pril 2009 March 2010) report shows 45% of the San Francisco 324 statewide locations monitored during wet weather received fair to poor (C F) grades. In Southern California, 47% of sampling locations earned fair to poor wet weather grades. In the San Francisco Bay area, 45% of sampling locations earned fair to poor wet weather grades. Despite the return of near normal precipitation levels this past year, wet weather grades were still slightly better than the six-year average for both southern California and statewide. Dry Weather Honor Roll 76 of the 326 (23%) beaches with year-round dry weather grades this year scored a perfect +. These beaches had zero exceedances of state bacterial standards for ocean water quality during dry weather throughout the entire time frame of this report. These beaches demonstrated that superb water quality can be found in areas impacted by wildlife, but without anthropogenic sources of fecal bacteria. Heal the Bay proudly places these beaches on the Beach Report Card Honor Roll. list of these locations can be found in ppendix B. Beach Bummers Numerous California beaches vied for the Beach Bummer crown this year (the monitoring location with the poorest summertime dry weather water quality). Five of the 10 most polluted beach areas in the state were in L.. County. 3

10 The Top 10 Beach Bummers 1. valon Harbor Beach on Catalina Island (Los ngeles County) 2. Cowell Beach at the wharf (Santa Cruz County) 3. Cabrillo Beach harborside (Los ngeles County) 4. Poche Beach (Orange County) 5. Santa Monica Municipal Pier (Los ngeles County) 6. Colorado Lagoon (Los ngeles County) 7. Baker Beach at Lobos Creek (San Francisco County) 8. Capitola Beach west of the jetty (Santa Cruz County) 9. Vacation Isle North Cove Beach in Mission Bay (San Diego County) 10. Sunset Blvd. and PCH at Santa Ynez drain (Los ngeles County) Los ngeles County remains one of the only counties in the state (along with Humboldt County, San Francisco County and portions of San Diego County) to modify its monitoring program to collect samples directly in front of flowing storm drains and creeks. This change was a result of the Santa Monica Bay Beach Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements and their associated action plans designed to restore water quality and protect public health and aquatic life. Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara County Children play directly in front of storm drains and in their runoff-filled ponds and lagoons. Monitoring at point zero (the mouth of storm drains or creeks) is the best way to ensure that the health risks to swimmers are minimized. This is one recommendation among several others that Heal the Bay has made to state officials to improve water quality monitoring and protect public health. complete list of recommendations can be found at the end of this document. The data from Santa Barbara County through San Diego County was analyzed to determine whether there were significant differences in water quality based on beach type. s in previous years, water quality at open ocean beaches during year-round dry weather was significantly better than water quality at those beaches located within enclosed bays or harbors, or those impacted by storm drains. 97% of open ocean beaches received an grade for year-round dry weather compared to 78% at beaches found within an enclosed bay, harbor or marina, and 83% at beaches impacted by a storm drain. The data demonstrate that visitors at open ocean beaches with no pollution source are nearly always swimming in clean water during dry weather. Clean Beach Initiative (CBI) In 2000, Gov. Gray Davis and then ssemblywoman Fran Pavley, proposed $34 million in the state budget for protecting and restoring the health of California s beaches. This funding became known as the Clean Beach Initiative (CBI). To date, over $100 million has been allocated to projects to clean up California s most polluted beaches. lso, the fund finances research on rapid pathogen indicators and pathogen source identification efforts. Since the implementation of this 4

11 funding, dozens of projects have been completed or are nearing completion. Sadly however, the December 2008 statewide freeze on bond funds meant all projects that were underway last year were put on hold. The good news is that funding for projects underway has been recently restored. lso, RR funds helped fund some projects during the bond freeze. Unfortunately, some critical projects were delayed, like the source tracking study of the highly polluted Tijuana River Estuary, which resulted in Santa Monica Canyon the study team missing monitoring opportunities during two straight rainy seasons and further delaying beach water quality improvements. No new projects have been reviewed or approved under the CBI in nearly three years. The Beach Report Card is based on the routine monitoring of beaches conducted by local health agencies and dischargers. Water samples are analyzed for bacteria that indicate pollution from numerous sources, including fecal waste. The better the grade a beach receives, the lower the risk of illness to ocean users. The report is not designed to measure the amount of trash or toxins found at beaches. The Beach Report Card would not be possible without the cooperation of all of the shoreline monitoring agencies in the state. Heal the Bay believes that the public has the right to know the water quality at their favorite beaches and is proud to provide Californians with this information in an easy-to-understand format. We hope that beachgoers will use this information to make the decisions necessary to protect their health. County health officials and Heal the Bay recommend that beach users never swim within 100 yards on either side of a flowing storm drain, in any coastal water during a rainstorm, and for at least three days after a storm has ended. Storm drain runoff is the greatest source of pollution to local beaches, flowing untreated to the coast and often contaminated with motor oil, animal waste, pesticides, yard waste and trash. fter a rain, indicator bacteria densities usually far exceed state health criteria for recreational water use. For more information, please visit or call 800 HEL BY. Given, S., Pendleton, L.H., Boehm,.B. Regional public health cost estimates of contaminated coastal waters: a case study of gastroenteritis at Southern California beaches. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2006, 40, Kildow, J., Colgan, C.S. California s Ocean Economy. National Ocean Economics Program

12 INTRODUCTION Heal the Bay s first Beach Report Card SM (BRC) was published in 1990 and covered about 60 monitoring locations in Los ngeles County from Leo Carrillo Beach near the Ventura County line south to Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. t that time, beachgoers knew little about the health risks of swimming in polluted waters or the water quality at any of their favorite beaches in Los ngeles County. Beach water quality was a public issue only when a substantial sewage spill occurred. lthough beaches were routinely monitored, the data were either inaccessible or unusable to the public. Since then, a great deal of work has been completed to reduce urban runoff pollution and sewage spills at our local beaches. Scientific studies such as the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project s epidemiological study on swimmers at runoff polluted beaches and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project s bight-wide shoreline bacteria and laboratory inter-calibration study have been completed. Legislation, such as the statewide beach bathing water standards and public notification bill (B411), and the protocol for identifying sources of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) at high-use beaches that are impacted by flowing storm drains (B538) have been signed into law. Structural best management practices such as the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility, dry weather diversions, and nearly $100 million in Clean Beach Initiative projects throughout the state have been implemented and constructed. lso, the City of Los ngeles is spending over $100 million of Proposition O funds to make Santa Monica Bay beaches clean and safe. In this same time period, Heal the Bay s Beach Report Card has grown in coverage, expanding from Los ngeles County to all of California s monitored beaches. The 20th nnual Beach Report Card summarizes the results of beach water quality monitoring programs along California s coast from Humboldt County to San Diego County from pril 2009 through March The summary includes an analysis of water quality during four time periods: summer dry season (pril through October - the months covered under B411), winter dry weather (November 2009 through March 2010), year-round dry weather, and year-round wet weather conditions. In addition to summarizing local water quality, the report includes a brief review of the number of sewage spills that impacted recreational waters over the past year. The information derived from this analysis is used to develop recommendations for cleaning up problem beaches to make them safe for swimming and surfing. This year s nnual BRC covers over 450 locations for summer dry weather (320 locations yearround) from Humboldt County to San Diego County. Heal the Bay advises California beachgoers to use the information before they go to any beach in the state in order to better protect their health and the health of their families. The weekly California BRC is available in print, on Heal the Bay s website and at The Beach Report Card should be used like the SPF ratings in sunblock beachgoers should determine what they are comfortable with in terms of relative risk, and then make the necessary decisions to protect their health. 6

13 What Type of Water Quality Pollution is Measured? Runoff from creeks, rivers and storm drains is the largest source of pollution to California beaches. Runoff may contain toxic heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum hydrocarbons, animal waste, trash and even human sewage. The Beach Report Card includes an analysis of shoreline (ankle-deep) water quality data collected by more than 20 different county and city public agencies for fecal indicator bacteria. t present, the report card contains no information on toxins or trash in the water or on the beach. The amount of indicator bacteria present in runoff, and consequently in the surfzone, is currently the best indication of whether or not a beach is safe for recreational contact. Indicator bacteria are not usually the microorganisms that cause bather illness. Instead, their presence indicates the potential for water contamination with other pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa that do pose a health risk to humans. The link between swimming in waters containing elevated levels of bacteria indicators from polluted runoff and health risk was confirmed in the groundbreaking 1995 epidemiological study conducted by USC, Orange County Sanitation District, the City of Los ngeles, and Heal the Bay, under the auspices of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. Most sample locations are selected by monitoring, health, and regulatory agencies to specifically target popular beaches and/or those beaches frequently affected by runoff. Water quality samples are collected by the appropriate agency at a minimum of once a week from pril through October, as required under the California Beach Bathing Water Quality Standards (B411) and recommended by the Environmental Protection gency s National Beach Guidance and Performance Criteria County Line, Ventura County for Recreational Waters (EP s BECH program). Some agencies conduct year-round sampling, while others scale back their monitoring programs dramatically from November through March, despite the fact that many surfers and ocean swimmers are in the water year-round. ll counties that have beach monitoring programs, and provide the data to the public, are included in the Beach Report Card. This year, there were 456 shoreline monitoring locations analyzed in the California Beach Report Card from Humboldt County at Trinidad State Beach near Mill Creek to San Diego County at the Border Field State Park (fence at the Mexican border). Shoreline water samples were analyzed for three indicator bacteria: total coliform, fecal coliform (or E.coli) and Enterococcus. Total coliform, which contains coliform of all types, originates from many sources, including soil, plants, animals and humans. Fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria are found in the fecal matter of mammals 7

14 and birds. This fecal matter does not necessarily come from humans, although numerous prior studies have demonstrated that there is a significant possibility of human sewage contamination in storm drain runoff at any given time. Heal the Bay s grading system Heal the Bay s grading system takes into consideration the magnitude and frequency of an exceedance above indicator thresholds over the course of the specified time period. Furthermore, those beaches Dana Point Harbor, Orange County that exceed multiple indicator thresholds in a given sample time received lower grades than those beaches that exceeded just one indicator threshold. The grades are based on a 100-point scale. For each monitoring location, points are subtracted from a perfect score of 100 depending on the severity of bacterial count exceedances of state single sample standards, and/or exceedances of the 30-day geometric mean standards. s the magnitude or frequency of bacteria density threshold exceedances increases, the number of points subtracted increases. The threshold points and grading system can be found in ppendix. Water quality typically drops dramatically during and immediately after a rainstorm, but often rebounds to its previous level within a few days. For this reason, wet weather data were analyzed separately in order to avoid artificially lowering a location s grade. Wet weather data are comprised of samples collected during or within three days following the cessation of a rainstorm. Heal the Bay s annual report card and weekly report cards utilize a definition of a significant rainstorm as precipitation greater than or equal to one tenth of an inch ( 0.1 ). The BRC analyzes dry weather water quality data for three time periods, pril 2009 through October 2009 (summer dry weather or B411 ), November 2009 through March 2010 (winter dry weather), and pril 2009 through March 2010 (year-round dry weather). What does this mean to the beach user? Simply put, the higher the grade a beach receives, the better the water quality at that beach. The lower the grade, the greater the health risk. Potential illnesses include stomach flu, ear infection, upper respiratory infection and major skin rash (full body). The known risks of contracting illnesses associated with each threshold are based on a one-time, single day of exposure (head immersed while swimming) to polluted water. Increasing frequency of exposure or the magnitude of bacteria densities may significantly increase an ocean user s risk of contracting any one of a number of these illnesses. 8

15 It is important to note that the grades from the Beach Report Card represent the most current information available to the public, but they do not represent real-time water quality conditions. Currently, laboratory analyses of beach water quality samples take 18 to 48 hours to complete, then the data must be entered into a database before they are sent to Heal the Bay for a grade calculation. Rapid indicator methods (results in 2-4 hours) for enterococcus bacteria should be widely available to monitoring agencies within the next 5 years. pilot study of rapid indicator testing at nine Orange County beaches is taking place this summer. The most current information available on beach closures due to sewage spills can be found at The BRC is also designed to give the beachgoer historical information on the water quality at a given beach. The public can then make informed decisions about which beach to visit safely. Why not test for viruses? common question asked by beachgoers is: Since viruses are thought to cause many of the swimming-associated illnesses, why don t health agencies monitor directly for viruses instead of bacteria indicators? lthough virus monitoring is incredibly useful in identifying sources of fecal pollution, there are a number of drawbacks to the currently available virus measurement methods. Malibu Lagoon, Los ngeles County There have been tremendous breakthroughs in the use of gene probes to analyze water samples for virus or human specific bacteria, but currently these techniques are still relatively expensive, highly technical and not very quantitative. In addition, since human viruses are not found in high densities in ocean water and their densities are highly variable, setting standards for viruses isn t currently feasible. Interference from other pollutants in runoff can make virus quantification very difficult. lso, interpretation of virus monitoring data is difficult because, unlike bacterial indicators, there are currently no data available that link health risks associated with swimming in beach water to virus densities. local epidemiology study, a component of which is an effort to identify and quantify viral pathogens, began two and a half years ago. This large scale epidemiology study (using over 30 microbial indicators) was led by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, UC Berkeley, Orange County Sanitation Districts, and Heal the Bay. The study, which took place at Doheny Beach, valon Beach, and Surfrider Beach in Malibu, should be completed within the next year. Until completion of this study and ongoing USEP studies, indicator bacteria monitoring is currently the best, most timely and cost effective method for protecting the health of beachgoers. 9

16 NLYSES Most California beaches had very good water quality this past year during dry weather, with 294 of 326 (90%) locations receiving very good to excellent ( and B) grades. Lower grades during the same time period include: 12 Cs (4%), 7 Ds (2%) and 13 Fs (4%). Southern California (Santa Barbara through San Diego) dry weather grades (91% and B grades) were slightly better than the statewide average. Los ngeles County again exhibited some of the lowest grades in the state (79% and B grades). These are the best year round dry weather grades L County has seen since moving monitoring locations to directly at the outfall of creeks and storm drains ( point zero ) in November of However, this report includes 19 fewer monitoring locations in L County than were monitored in Statewide budget cuts for monitoring programs have resulted in a reduction by 61 locations of regularly monitored B411 beaches since In the San Francisco Bay rea (Marin through San Mateo), the summer dry weather grades were excellent on the ocean-side with 98% (41 of 42) of the locations receiving grades, and good on the bay-side with 21 of 26 (81%) receiving or B grades. 40 of 68 (59%) of Bay rea locations were monitored year-round. Year-round dry weather water quality on the oceanside was excellent with 17 of 18 (94%) of the monitoring locations receiving an grade, and fair on the bay-side with 16 of 22 (73%) receiving or B grades. B411 (Summer) dry weather water quality at California beaches this past year was excellent and slightly better than the 6-year average. Of the 456 ocean water quality monitoring locations throughout California, 419 (92%) received very good to excellent water quality marks ( or B) for pril through October 2009 [Figure 1]. There were 37 (8%) monitoring locations that received fair to poor water quality marks (C F) during the same time period. The disparity between dry and wet weather water quality continues to be dramatic and demonstrates that California is not successfully reducing stormwater runoff pollution. Despite the return of near normal precipitation levels this past year, wet weather grades were slightly better than the six-year average in both southern California and statewide. 45% percent of 10 beach report card Percentage of Grades by Time Period for California Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 456 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 333 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 326 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 324 locations Key: = = B =C = D =F

17 monitoring locations received fair to poor grades during the wet weather season with 27% F grades [Figure 1]. This marked seasonal difference in water quality is why Heal the Bay and public health agencies continue to recommend that no one swim in the ocean during, and for at least three days after, a significant rainstorm ( = 0.1 inches). With the exception of educational programs, there have been no major efforts made by public agencies along the coast to target reductions in fecal bacteria densities in stormwater. Dry Weather Honor Roll 76 of the 326 (23%) beaches with year-round dry weather grades this year scored a perfect +. These beaches had zero exceedances of state bacterial standards for ocean water quality during dry weather throughout the entire time frame of this report. These beaches demonstrated that superb water quality can be found in areas impacted by wildlife, but without anthropogenic sources of fecal bacteria. Heal the Bay proudly places these beaches on the Beach Report Card Honor Roll. list of these locations can be found in ppendix B. list of all the grades can be found in ppendix C. Beach Bummers Numerous California beaches vied for the Beach Bummer crown this year (the monitoring location with the poorest summertime dry weather water quality). Five of the ten most polluted beach areas in the state were in L County. California Beach Bummer Locations valon Harbor Beach on Catalina Island Cowell Beach at the wharf Cabrillo Beach harborside Poche Beach Santa Monica Municipal Pier Colorado Lagoon Baker Beach at Lobos Creek Capitola Beach west of the jetty Los ngeles County Santa Cruz County Los ngeles County Orange County Los ngeles County Los ngeles County San Francisco County Santa Cruz County valon Beach continues its Vacation Isle North Cove Beach in Mission Bay San Diego County reign as the most polluted Sunset Blvd. and PCH at Santa Ynez drain Los ngeles County beach in California. This is the 9th year out of the last eleven that valon has been on the bummer list, yet Los ngeles County still only monitors the beach once a week and only during the B411 time period. Of the 5 monitoring locations at this beach, none received better than a D grade during B411 in The massive sewer infrastructure replacement project that is so sorely needed in valon is nowhere on the horizon. Three years ago a $4.5 million swimmer health effects study added valon Beach as a research location due to its perpetually poor water quality. lso, researchers from Stanford and UC Irvine completed separate source tracking, fate and transport, and modeling studies that demonstrate that sewage contaminated groundwater is a major source of beach pollution at valon. The area surrounding Cowell Beach wharf also exhibited severe water quality problems last summer. The beach was posted with advisories from May 13th, 2009 through the end of October. It is not uncommon for pier locations with businesses, sewer lines, and abundant numbers of seabirds to exhibit poor water quality. Pollution source identification studies at Rio 11

18 del Mar, Capitola Beach, and the Cowell Beach Pier area began in May These pier locations pollution issues can be complicated, but are solvable. lthough Santa Monica Pier is again on this year s bummer list, the City of Santa Monica has been quite diligent in eliminating all possible sources of fecal bacteria contamination at the SM Pier. The City has repaired and redirected all nuisance flow from the Pier storm drain to the Santa Monica Poche Beach, Orange County Urban Runoff Recycling Facility. Santa Monica has also hired UCL to complete a thorough source tracking study to identify any remaining sources of fecal bacteria at the beach. This, in conjunction with the recently completed bird nets installed under the pier (completed February 2010), has resulted in minimal exceedances of state bacterial standards at this location so far this spring. If this trend continues, we hope to see a grade much higher than the usual F grade for this location this time next year. Cabrillo Beach harborside has earned F grades for all time periods over the last seven years. The last step of Phase II of the Cabrillo Beach cleanup project (bird excluder devices) is years behind schedule but should be completed by the end of July Meanwhile, the beach is in near constant violation of beach bacteria TMDL limits. Poche Beach continued to struggle with poor water quality and joins the list for the third year in a row. dry weather filtration/uv disinfection plant at the Poche Creek outlet was completed over a year ago but has yet to meet its design performance specifications. Frequent rains this winter have impeded the construction contractor s ability to troubleshoot, modify, and refine the system s performance. The system was actively running after the pril rains and performance trials began again in early May. 12

19 San Diego County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for San Diego Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 77 locations 94 THE BECH REPORT CRD: COUNTY BY COUNTY SN DIEGO There are five agencies within San Diego County that provided monitoring information directly to Heal the Bay s Beach Report Card: the City of Oceanside, the City of San Diego, Encina Wastewater uthority, San Elijo Joint Powers uthority, and the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health (DEH). majority of the 77 monitoring locations monitored during summer dry weather (B411) and covered by the Beach Report Card were sampled and analyzed by the City and County of San Diego. Samples were generally collected at the wave wash (where runoff and ocean water mix) or 25 yards away from a flowing storm drain, creek or river. For additional water quality information visit the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health s website at: deh/water/beach_bay.html Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 48 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 46 locations 55 Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 44 locations Historically, shoreline monitoring in San Diego County was scaled back approximately 40% between November and March. During the rainy season of , the number of San Diego County year-round monitoring locations dropped by more than 60% from the B411 timeframe due to lack of state program funding. The County of San Diego DEH shut down their Beach and Bay monitoring program entirely in September Ultimately, the County of San Diego s Board of Supervisors stepped in and provided over $100,000 to the DEH to get the program back up and running. Federal RR funds managed by the state have allowed a semblance of normalcy to return to beach monitoring in San Diego County this past year. On May 11th, 2010, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to seek alternative funding sources for San Diego s critical water quality monitoring program to continue into 2011 and beyond. Overall, San Diego consistently monitored 16 fewer locations this past summer than the previous year (most of those dropped are historically clean north county beaches and locations in Mission Bay). The number of beaches monitored year round this year in San Diego rose from a historical low of 32 last year to 46 this past winter. Dry weather water quality at beaches that were consistently monitored in San Diego County was excellent. Of the 77 summer dry weather water quality monitoring locations, 95% received good to excellent water quality marks (Figure 2). San Diego County s water quality during the winter dry weather was similar with 94% of the monitored locations receiving or B grades. The San Luis Rey River outlet in Oceanside, Tijuana Rivermouth, and Border Key: = =B =C = D = F 13

20 Field State Park at Monument Road scored San Diego County s only poor grades during winter dry weather. Some good news for Imperial Beach is that the State funded a $1 million Clean Beach Initiative source tracking study of the lower Tijuana River Estuary. The study is to include recommendations to reduce fecal bacteria densities at Imperial Beach. However, the study was suspended for two critical winter rainy seasons due to the state budget issue. The study has been reinstated, but won t be completed until Figures 3-5 illustrate San Diego County s water quality grades for this year compared to the past 6-year average. B411 grades were just one point below the 96% and B grade average since Grades were also within one point of the past average for wet weather water quality. Yearround dry weather water quality was among the best on record and bested the past average by 6 points (94% and B grades compared to the average of 89%). More on the Tijuana River Slough When sewage contamination in the Tijuana River moves from the estuary mouth and north along the coast, south San Diego County beaches are heavily impacted. s a result, water quality at these impacted beaches has the potential to be extremely poor. To create a real time Tijuana River plume model, Scripps Institute of Oceanography compared previous monitoring data with measured hourly ocean currents from San Diego Coastal Ocean Observing System (SDCOOS; When the model predicts poor water quality, or other field observations indicate the possibility of sewage contamination (as was the case this year), large stretches of southern San Diego beaches can be closed from the Mexican Border all the way north of Imperial Beach (over 10 miles of beach when Coronado beaches are closed). s a precautionary measure, SD County Environmental Health closed the beaches near the estuary when rain, current, and sewage spill conditions posed a potential health risk to swimmers. This precautionary approach led to an enormous increase in beach closure days. Border beaches were closed for almost 1/3 of the year-long timeframe of this report. The new Monte de Los Olivos sewage treatment plant, designed to relieve the over-burdened Punta Bandera plant and to treat the waste of over a quarter million Tijuana residents, came online in It has been discharging secondary treated effluent to the Tijuana River but plans are in the works to divert this flow to Punta Bandera. This new plant and the addition of a second and possibly third plant in the near future are part of an effort to eliminate the coastal discharge of untreated sewage from Tijuana. With all of this effort, the risk of raw sewage spills into the Tijuana River and/or the ocean should be greatly reduced 1. In a recent study on enteric viruses at Imperial Beach and the Tijuana River mouth, researchers detected a number of hepatitis virus strains. Because untreated human fecal waste from Tijuana sewage outfalls is a major pollution source to coastal waters near the U.S.-Mexican border, human fecal bacteria densities (E. coli and Enterococci) during wet weather exceeded state water quality standards in 86% (12 of 14) of the samples in the study. Exceptionally high concentrations of these human fecal indicator bacteria were significantly correlated with high concentrations of hepatitis virus and enterovirus. Three strains of poliovirus were also detected 2. 1.Sandra Dibble, Sewage treatment plant praised, 1m26tjsewage.html (September 2008). 2. Gersberg et al pplied and Environmental Microbiology. 72:

21 Sewage Spill Summary San Diego County was affected by 17 closures due to sewage between pril 1, 2009 and March 31, Nine spills of known volume released approximately 45,000 gallons of sewage to local beaches. There was one major spill (>10,000 gallons) that accounted for over one third of the total known sewage spill volume. This spill was approximately 15,000 gallons of raw sewage into a storm drain leading to the San Diego River. Dog Beach was closed for 2 days until samples confirmed the beach water was safe for recreational use. There were 9 beach closure events from Coronado to the U.S. Border due to model projections or field observation suspicions of sewage contaminated plumes moving north from the Tijuana Estuary (see sidebar on page 14). The four southernmost beaches in San Diego County were closed for a total 115 total days between 4/1/2009 and 3/31/2010 as a precaution to keep the public from being exposed to sewage contaminated plumes from the Tijuana River. Portions of or all of Imperial Beach were included in these closures starting in December of The longest closure for border beaches this year began on January 18, 2010 and continued beyond the March 31, 2010 ending of this report s timeframe San Diego County Dry Weather (year-round) Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) San Diego County Results San Diego County Dry Weather (B411) Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (dry weather) 90 Six-year average (dry weather) San Diego County Wet Weather Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (dry weather) (wet weather) 84 Ocean Beach, San Diego County Six-year average (dry weather) Six-year average (wet weather) Key: = =B = C = D = F 15 Key: = = B =C = D = F

22 Orange County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Orange County Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 103 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 78 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 78 locations ORNGE COUNTY There are three agencies within Orange County that provide monitoring information to Heal the Bay s Beach Report Card. The South Orange County Wastewater uthority, the County of Orange Environmental Health Division, and the Orange County Sanitation District. Samples were collected throughout the year along open coastal and bay beaches, as well as near flowing storm drains, creeks or rivers. For additional water quality information visit the County of Orange Environmental Health Division s website at: Orange County has begun to integrate the multiple agencies efforts into a model monitoring program by attempting to integrate the sampling resources of wastewater facilities, stormwater programs, and environmental health programs. With the uncertain future of state funding for local monitoring efforts, Orange County has begun to eliminate monitoring locations deemed redundant or overlapping and plans to drop consistently clean locations to afford continued monitoring of high-use and problematic locations. Heal the Bay has provided feedback on the proposed plan, and we will monitor its progress as Orange County moves forward on maximizing available county resources for health protection of the beachgoing public. Orange County did not monitor a number of locations throughout the rainy season this year. Twenty six historically year-round monitored beaches were dropped this past winter. Most of the locations that didn t make the cut were in either Huntington or Dana Point Harbors, including the chronically polluted Baby Beach. Heal the Bay was disheartened to see that Dana Point Harbor s Baby Beach was among the monitoring locations that were not monitored year round in Orange County this year. In past years, Baby Beach had been a notorious F grade beach, with poor grades stemming from a lack of circulation as well as runoff from multiple sources. Most beaches between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Main Beach also weren t monitored this past winter Orange County grades for both year-round dry weather and the B411 time period were among the best on record and again well above the state average. 99% of monitoring locations received an or B during the B411 time period as well as 97% for year-round dry weather (Figure 6). Even Doheny Beach scored grades for dry weather during B411 last year. Poche Beach displayed the only poor water quality in the county during the 2009 B411 time period. Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 78 locations Key: = =B =C = D = F Winter dry weather water quality was markedly different from summertime dry weather water quality. Only 83% of beaches received or B grades between November and March. Seal Beach at 1st Street, Sapphire venue 16

23 Beach in Newport Bay, and the entire stretch of coast from Doheny Beach south to Poche Creek exhibited poor dry weather water quality during the winter months. The dry weather filtration/ UV disinfection plant at the Poche Newport Bay, Orange County Creek outlet was completed over a year ago but has yet to meet its design performance specifications. Frequent rains this winter have impeded the construction contractor s ability to troubleshoot, modify, and refine the system s performance. The system was actively running again after this pril s rains and performance trials began again in early May. Wet weather water quality in Orange County this past year was poor. 42% of monitoring locations received or B grades this year during wet weather compared to 48% in In fact, Orange County experienced its worst wet weather water quality since Not surprising after near normal rainfall finally returned to Southern California this past winter. Orange County wet weather grades were worse than the state average and worse than Los ngeles County s for the first time since Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an assessment of this year s grade percentages at Orange County beaches compared to the six-year average. Orange County displayed quite easily the best dry weather water quality it has seen in the last six years. For both B411 and year-round dry weather conditions, this year s water quality was well above the County s six-year average. Sewage Spill Summary Orange County experienced six sewage spills (with known volumes totaling approximately 360,000 gallons) that led to beach closures this past year. Two of these were major spills accounting for nearly 100% of the known spill volume for the County. pproximately 350,000 gallons of sewage was released via a broken pipe resulting in North Beach and portions of north Doheny Beach to be closed for six days in late March broken sewer lateral on private property released nearly 10,000 gallons on 1/11/2010 and resulted in a two day closure of beaches at Sunset quatic Park and Portofino Cove. 17 Orange County Results Orange County Dry Weather (B411) Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (B411) Six-year average (B411) Orange County Dry Weather (year-round) Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (dry weather) Six-year average (dry weather) Key: = = B = C = D = F

24 Los ngeles County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Los ngeles County Beaches 9 Dry weather (B411) grades out of 91 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 88 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 86 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 86 locations Key: = =B =C = D = F LOS NGELES There are four agencies within the County of Los ngeles that contributed monitoring information to Heal the Bay s Beach Report Card. The City of Los ngeles Environmental Monitoring Division (EMD) at the Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant provided daily or weekly beach data for 35 locations. The Los ngeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) monitored 33 locations on a weekly basis. The Los ngeles County Sanitation Districts monitored eight locations weekly. nd finally, the City of Long Beach, Environmental Health Division, monitored 15 (down from 25 historically) locations on a weekly basis. ll monitoring programs except Long Beach collect samples throughout the year at the mouth of a storm drain or creek. Most Long Beach monitoring locations are not near storm drains, but the L.. and San Gabriel Rivers receive most of the city s stormwater runoff and outlet near these beaches. For additional water quality information visit Los ngeles County s Department of Health Services website at: ehrecocdata.cfm; or the City of Long Beach at: ca.us/health/organization/eh/water/. Los ngeles County s monitoring program has been one of the least impacted by the state funding cuts. While other counties shut down or cut back on their ocean water quality monitoring programs, Los ngeles County has been able to continue sampling and protecting public health as before. This is due to the structure of the program, sewage treatment plant and stormwater permit monitoring requirements, and the shared monitoring responsibilities between agencies in the county. The implementation of TMDLs and associated monitoring requirements has led to a shift away from burdening only the environmental health departments and enabled other agencies and dischargers to take a share of the monitoring responsibility. Los ngeles County s move to sample at the mouth of flowing storm drains and creeks due to the Santa Monica Bay Beach Bacteria TMDL has historically contributed to the County s grades being well below the state average. However, it is important to note that not all water quality problems in Los ngeles County can be attributed to the sampling location. The beaches at valon and Cabrillo were very poor again this year even though storm drains are not a major contributor to pollution at these locations. Heal the Bay believes that sampling at the outfall (point zero) of drains and creeks gives a more accurate picture of water quality and is far more protective of human health. Statewide, most monitoring locations associated with storm drains or creeks are actually sampled at a substantial distance from the outfall. 18

25 Los ngeles County s dry weather water quality showed noticeable improvement this year yet still scored below the state-wide average. Both summer B411 and year-round dry weather water quality was fair to good. 80% of the locations received an or B for the summer months, and year-round dry weather was similar with 79% or B grades (Figure 9). There were some stretches of very good to excellent summer water quality in western Malibu from Leo Carrillo to Walnut Creek on Point Dume, all of Will Rogers State Beach, and from Pico Boulvard in Santa Monica downcoast through all of Venice Beach. The South Bay saw excellent water quality during the summer months from Dockweiler Beach all the way to Cabrillo Beach ocean-side (with the exception of Redondo Pier). Poor grades for year-round dry weather in Santa Monica Bay were received at Surfrider Beach (F), Castlerock storm drain (D), Sunset Blvd. and PCH at Santa Ynez storm drain (F), Santa Monica Pier (F), Mothers Beach at the playground in Marina Del Rey (F), and Cabrillo Beach harborside at the restrooms (F). The low flow diversions (LFD) at both the Castlerock and the Santa Ynez storm drains were under-maintained late last summer. fter an unusual number of water quality exceedances, the two locations were found to have significant sediment buildup in their respective systems and/ or a malfunctioning part. Both diversions were inspected in October by the County and moderate maintenance was able to rectify the problems. We have seen this scenario at a number of locations after installation of a new diversion or water treatment project. Engineers and the local jurisdictional agency must closely monitor these projects early and often to ensure continued water quality compliance at the beach. For the first time in the last five years, Marie Canyon did not earn an F grade during the B411 time period. Hopefully this year s B grade is a sign of better grades to come. Despite millions of dollars spent on water quality improvements, Cabrillo Beach harborside has earned F grades for all time periods over the last seven years. The last step of Phase II of the Cabrillo Beach cleanup project (bird excluder devices) is years behind schedule, but should be completed by the end of July Meanwhile, the beach is in near constant violation of beach bacteria TMDL limits. ll five monitoring locations at valon Beach on Catalina Island received poor grades for the B411 time period this past year, earning this location the distinction of being the most polluted beach in the entire state for the second year in a row. s usual, valon Beach was not monitored year-round despite the attraction of the idyllic town to tourists throughout the year. Paradise Cove improved from an F grade last B411 (2008) to a B grade this year. This improvement in water quality corresponds with the long overdue completion of wastewater treatment facilities and sewers at the Paradise Cove Mobilehome Park. LOs ngeles County Results Los ngeles County B411 Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (B411) Six-year average (B411) 19 Key: = = B = C = D = F

26 Los ngeles County Results Los ngeles County Dry Weather (year-round) Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (dry weather) Los ngeles County Wet Weather Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (wet weather) Six-year average (dry weather) Installation of a new dry weather runoff treatment facility at the bottom of the watershed will be completed by Memorial Day fter all the work that has gone into improving water quality at Paradise Cove, we certainly hope to see grades at this beach well into the future. Dry weather water quality in Long Beach improved again for the third year in a row. ll ocean beaches received a C grade or better this year during the B411 time period. During year-round dry weather, 53% of LB beaches received or B grades. The rest of L.. County was closer to the state average with 85% and B grades. Long Beach has made significant efforts to locate pollution sources and improve water quality. Extensive studies throughout the city have demonstrated that the Los ngeles River, an enormous pollution source due to its 1000-plus square mile drainage, is the predominant source of fecal bacteria to Long Beach waters. Every monitoring location in Long Beach scored a poor grade during wet weather this year. Long Beach monitored 10 fewer sites this year than last due to cost cutting measures. While the Los ngeles River will continue to be the major source of contamination for Long Beach beaches, the city s investigations have resulted in the discovery and repair of leaking or disconnected sewage pump lines and improperly working storm drain diversions. These repairs appear to have made a dent in the overall water quality problems in Long Beach. The City has also implemented an innovative pilot technology to disinfect runoff in the storm drains. Ultimately however, L.B. water quality will be directly tied to rainfall amounts and runoff volumes from the L.. River. Heal the Bay is currently advocating for a tight compliance timeline in the draft Los ngeles River Bacteria TMDL to ensure that Long Beach s beaches do not remain impacted for many years to come. The current draft L.. River fecal bacteria TMDL from the Regional Water Board allows 25 years to comply with water quality standards in both dry and wet weather - far too long for Long Beach residents and visitors to wait for clean water. Despite the return of near normal rainfall totals this past winter, overall wet weather water quality wasn t as bad as it has been in the past. 43 of 86 (50%) of sample sites received poor grades, with 36% of sample sites receiving a grade of F General Water Quality Trends for Los ngeles County Overall dry weather water quality beat the six-year average for or B grades (73% average), with 79% of the locations receiving or B grades this past year (Figure 11). Six-year average (wet weather) Key: = =B = C = D = F B411 water quality in Santa Monica Bay was excellent last year with 91% 20

27 of Santa Monica Bay beaches (from Leo Carrillo to Palos Verdes) receiving or B grades during the time period. This is markedly better than last year and well above the average for S.M. Bay (Figure 10). Los ngeles wet weather water quality this past year was well above average. The number of wet weather F grades in the county was the lowest it has been since (Figure 12). Santa Monica Bay Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) Every beach from the Ventura County line south to Palos Verdes was mandated to meet state beach bacteria health standards 100% of the time during the B411 time period by July 15, 2006 or face penalties. Marina del Rey s Mother s Beach and Back Basins had a compliance deadline of March 18, 2007 and Los ngeles Harbor (Inner Cabrillo Beach and Main Ship Channel) recently Topanga Beach, Los ngeles County passed the compliance deadline for both the B411 time period and winter dry weather on March 10, The 100% compliance requirement for the B411 time period (from pril 1st to October 31st) means that all of these beaches must be safe for swimming every day for the seven months from pril through October (except during rain events). These requirements were in the fecal bacteria Total Maximum Daily Loads for Santa Monica Bay, Mother s Beach, Los ngeles Harbor and the Los ngeles County Stormwater permit. The Los ngeles Harbor Bacteria TMDL has not yet been incorporated into the Stormwater permit. Unfortunately, the compliance deadlines have come and gone and many of Santa Monica Bay s beaches like Surfrider Beach, Castlerock Beach, Sunset Blvd. and PCH at Santa Ynez storm drain, Santa Monica Pier, Mother s Beach, Dockweiler State Beach at Ballona Creek mouth, and inner Cabrillo Beach still had elevated bacteria levels above the TMDL limits. While some cities have made noticeable improvements in identifying and rectifying sources of ocean pollution, measures to fix chronically polluted beaches like Dockweiler State Beach at Ballona Creek mouth and Surfrider have been inadequate. For more on the beach bacteria TMDLs please see Beach Report Card Impacts on page 42. Beach Cleanup Projects Update valon Beach valon Beach continues its reign as the most polluted beach in California. This is the ninth out of the last eleven years that valon has been on the Bummer list, yet Los ngeles County still only monitors the beach once a week and only during the B411 time period. Of the 5 monitoring 21

28 locations at this beach, none received better than a D grade during B411 in The massive sewer infrastructure replacement project that is so sorely needed there is nowhere on the horizon. Three years ago a $4.5 million swimmer health effects study added valon Beach as a research location due to its perpetually poor water quality. The valon study will be completed in lso, researchers from Stanford University completed a source tracking, fate and transport, and modeling study that demonstrated that sewage contaminated groundwater is a major source of beach pollution at valon. The researchers also found human enteroviruses using molecular methods. In September 2008, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the City of valon completed a grant agreement for Proposition 13, Clean Beaches Initiative Funding for the valon Bay Water Quality Improvement Project. This project s goal was to inspect and repair and/or replace approximately 370 residential sewer laterals and to install monitoring wells along valon s main beaches and at inland locations. Once the temporary freezing of state funding for the project ended, valon Bay, Catalina, Los ngeles County the sewer repair portion was completed last summer. However, despite completion of the project, water quality at valon Beach has remained poor. major sewer infrastructure replacement that includes privately owned sewer systems is imperative for valon to come off the Beach Bummer list. Recently, newspapers reported that $11 million would be spent in the near future on tourism amenity improvements with a long term spending price tag of up to $100 million, yet little attention has gone towards the necessary sewer system overhaul despite the fact that human sewage has been demonstrated to pollute local groundwater and valon Beach. If raw sewage was found chronically leaking on the beach on the mainland, local health agencies would have closed the beach as required under B 411 and there would be intense public pressure to upgrade the sewer system. s a solution to the unacceptable water quality conditions at valon, Heal the Bay recommends the following: Los ngeles County should work with valon and federal legislators to get RR funds for the sewer infrastructure replacement project. The Regional Water Board should begin development of a Total Maximum Daily Load for the fecal bacteria impaired beach at valon. lthough the beach is not listed in the federal TMDL consent decree for the Los ngeles region, the beach has been listed as an impaired water on the state and federal Section 303d list of impaired waters for years. The magnitude of the problem and the ease of writing the TMDL (model it on the TMDLs for Santa Monica Bay, Marina Del Rey and Cabrillo Beach) should make this one of the Regional Board s highest priorities. nother more forceful option is for the USEP and/or the Regional Water Board to proceed with a Clean Water ct enforcement action against valon and the appropriate private landowners for the chronic leaking sewer problems. final recommendation 22

29 is for monitoring to occur at valon on a year round basis because Catalina is a year round tourist destination. lso, beach monitoring should increase to at least three times a week during the B 411 time period. Santa Monica Pier The City of Santa Monica has completed the Santa Monica Pier improvement project, funded under Measure V, approved by Santa Monica voters in Measure V projects are intended to reduce stormwater pollution and runoff from entering Santa Monica Bay. The project began in February 2009 and involved replacing the severely degraded storm drain underneath the Santa Monica Pier. The new storm drain was designed and constructed in a manner to reduce or eliminate ponding of runoff under the pier. Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica also put in a new dry-weather runoff diversion to replace the previous faulty system. The City also installed netting under the pier to keep pigeons and other birds from nesting underneath the pier and adding their fecal bacteria to the already problematic water quality. This netting was completed in February of Santa Monica has also hired UCL to complete a thorough source tracking study to identify any remaining sources of fecal bacteria at the beach. To date, water quality at the beach south of the pier has improved dramatically over the last 2-3 months. The beach even received dry weather weekly grades for most of that time period. We hope this encouraging trend continues. Los ngeles Bay Beaches In very exciting news, the city of Los ngeles is scheduled to complete the majority of their large scale year-round dry-weather runoff diversion project this summer. The $40 million plus project (funded by Prop O, CBI and RR funds) will divert runoff from eight storm drains into the Coastal Interceptor Sewer that flows to the Hyperion Treatment Plant. This is the first time that large scale, highly engineered year-round runoff diversions have been completed in California. The project should be completed in July. Los ngeles Enclosed Beaches Both Mother s Beach in Marina del Rey and Cabrillo Beach are enclosed beaches that chronically exceed beach bathing water standards and continuously receive poor grades on the Beach Report Card. Beaches in enclosed bays are typically found to have poor water quality due to a lack of water circulation, which allows bacteria numbers to persist for longer periods of time without dispersion. Public agencies responsible for oversight at these beaches have received funding from the Clean Beach Initiative to embark on circulation improvement projects. Pumps were put in place at Mothers Beach in an attempt to reduce high bacteria concentrations. The pump at Mothers Beach contributed to the drop in exceedances and the year-round grade given to 23

30 the formerly F grade beach at the lifeguard tower. However, now we are seeing the playground area (at the terminus of the pumped water flow) being impacted by high bacteria counts. The likely cause of the poor water quality is the very pumps that keep the main swimming area clean. The pumps push the water towards the corner of the basin adjacent to the playground. With summer upon us once again, Heal the Bay is extremely concerned about the rate at which the Cabrillo project is moving. While replacement of the beach sand in the intertidal zone has been completed and portions of the rock jetty have been removed, it is important that the Port of L move forward as quickly as possible to finish the remaining proposed improvements. This includes placement of bird exclusion devices (economical and easy, they should have been in place at least two years ago), and completion of a feasibility and design study on water circulation pumps if needed. Meanwhile, the regulatory compliance date for this beach has already passed and the City is liable for frequent water quality standards violations. Paradise Cove Historically, the beach adjacent to the mouth of Ramirez Canyon Creek at Paradise Cove in Malibu has exhibited high levels of fecal indicator bacteria. In February 2009, The Kissel Company, the owner of the Paradise Cove Mobilehome Park in Malibu was issued a proposed $1.65 million fine by the Regional Water Board for allowing raw or partially treated sewage to spill into Ramirez Creek and the ocean. Specifically, the proposed fine covered the failure to comply with numerous prescribed Time Schedule Orders, discharge of raw sewage and failure to submit Latigo Beach monitoring reports. The Regional Water Board, due to perceived administrative errors in their enforcement case, reduced the fine to $54,500. Heal the Bay appealed this greatly reduced fine to the State Water Board. The appeal is still pending. However, the good news is that the Kissel Company finally completed the sewer system and sewage treatment plant for the mobilehome park. In recent years, the owner of these properties, working with the Santa Monica Baykeeper, has been proactive by putting in a runoff treatment facility near the mouth of Ramirez Creek. However, the facility was under-designed and needed to be replaced with a bigger facility. project for an improved runoff treatment facility near the mouth of Ramirez Creek facility was approved by the State Water Board as part of the CBI. This project is on schedule for completion by Memorial Day 2010 and is being constructed under the City of Malibu s leadership. This all means that Paradise Cove should finally be cleaned up this summer for the first time in over a decade! Marie Canyon L.. County completed a new UV treatment facility at Marie Canyon in Malibu in late summer The facility was designed to filter and treat as much as 100 gallons per minute of dry weather runoff. Unfortunately pump problems and turbid runoff at the facility led to poor grades for a number of 24

31 months following completion. The County has since fixed these problems and the pump ran 24 hours a day during the summer and winter dry weather period starting in October Now that the facility is operational, water quality has improved substantially during dry weather and Marie Canyon earned its best B411 score ever with a B grade. Redondo Beach Pier Los ngeles County Sanitation Districts and Redondo Beach undertook a study at Redondo Pier to shed light on the sources of high fecal bacteria densities at the beach south of the pier. The Model Program included the design and development of identification methods and the implementation of a source identification study. The project has now developed and optimized those methods and the microbial source tracking effort is complete. The Sanitation Districts found that the storm drain under the pier is a likely source of high bacteria counts on the beach. The final report was submitted to the Regional Board, but further actions by the Regional Board to reduce fecal bacteria have not gone forward. Hermosa Beach Pier The City of Hermosa Beach recently completed an innovative CBI project with the help of state and RR funds. The project includes infiltration systems along Pier venue and an infiltration trench south of the pier along the Strand. The dry weather runoff that makes it to the pier flows through trash and sediment removal devices and then gets directed to the infiltration trench. The low-tech approach relies on the ability of sand to filter and infiltrate, thereby reducing maintenance and energy costs for the project. The project Hermosa Beach was built to a large enough scale to handle year-round dry-weather runoff, but the county has yet to approve the project for use outside the B 411 time period. If the project works well, look for similar infiltration trench projects to start popping up along California s coast. Sewage Spill Summary There were 5 sewage spills to receiving waters in L.. County that resulted in beach closures this past year. The largest spill (~100,000 gallons) from a broken pipe during heavy rains in Palos Verdes resulted in a closure of Lunada Bay for nine days in February major spill of approximately 10,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Los ngeles River prompted closure of beaches in Long Beach from the river mouth to Belmont Pier for three days starting on 10/10/2009. significant spill of nearly 10,000 gallons from a broken pipe on unoccupied private property closed a portion of Will Rogers Beach near Potrero Canyon for three days last summer. This spill was reported by someone who witnessed the effluent on the beach. Beaches near the mouth of the L.. River were closed again on 10/25/2009 for 3 days after ~1400 gallons of raw sewage entered the storm drain system near Shoreline Village. nd finally, Colorado Lagoon and Mother s Beach in Long Beach were both closed for two days after ~1000 gallons of sewage spilled near the Los Cerritos Channel on 7/27/

32 Ventura County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Ventura County Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 40 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 19 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 19 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 19 locations VENTUR The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division (EHD) monitored 40 locations on a weekly basis from pril through October (16 fewer than the previous year), from as far upcoast as Rincon Beach (south of Rincon Creek, near the Santa Barbara County line) to a downcoast location at Staircase Beach, located at the north end of Leo Carrillo State Beach. Most samples were collected weekly between 25 to 50 yards north or south of the mouth of a storm drain or creek. For additional water quality information visit Ventura County s Environmental Health Division website at: ventura.org/envhealth/programs/ocean/. On May 7, 2009, the Regional Water Board adopted a new Ventura County municipal stormwater permit. The permit was groundbreaking for several reasons, including that it was the first time that such a permit was adopted with all applicable TMDL limits and implementation requirements. nother important aspect of the Ventura County Stormwater Permit is that it includes weekly year-round monitoring of 10 Ventura County beaches near storm drains, creeks and other potential sources of fecal bacteria, in the event that the current monitoring program is cut. Like Los ngeles County in the 1990s, this can serve as an important model for future permit development in ensuring the continuation of beach water quality monitoring, regardless of the status of state and federal funding. B water quality at Ventura County beaches was excellent (Figure 13). Of the 40 water quality monitoring locations during summer dry weather, 100% of the locations received grades. Ventura monitored 19 beaches year-round this year which is the most since Winter dry weather was also excellent. Only Hobie Beach (C) scored lower than a B grade during dry weather from November through March. Two beaches scored poorly during wet weather this past year. They were both at Ormond Beach: J Street drain (F) and Oxnard Industrial drain (F). Ventura County s B411, year-round dry and year-round wet grades were all better than the previous six-year averages. Sewage Spill Summary There was only one known sewage spill in Ventura County that was reported to Heal the Bay this past year. The spill (~50 gallons) on 9/25/2009 was into the Santa Clara River Estuary from the McGrath State Beach Campground area. Warning signs were posted near the Santa Clara River Bridge at Harbor Boulevard for three days. Key: = =B =C = D = F 26

33 Santa Barbara County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Santa Barbara County Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 16 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 16 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 13 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 13 locations Key: = =B =C = D = F SNT BRBR The County of Santa Barbara Environmental Health gency monitored 16 locations (four fewer than a year ago) on a weekly basis through October 2009, from as far upcoast as Guadalupe Dunes (south of the Santa Maria River outside the City of Guadalupe) to a downcoast location of Carpinteria State Beach. Most samples were collected 25 yards north or south of the mouth of a storm drain or creek. During the winter months, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (SBCK) received funding from the County of Santa Barbara to monitor 16 locations each week from as far upcoast as Refugio State Beach downcoast to Rincon. Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services (EHS) did not use this SBCK data for purposes of posting beaches with advisory signage. For additional water quality information visit Santa Barbara Channelkeeper at: or Santa Barbara County s Environmental Health gency website at In the shadow of uncertain state funding, Santa Barbara has found a creative solution for maximizing beach monitoring funds. Last winter SBCK stepped up and self-funded the winter monitoring initiative when state funding was bleakest. This year, Santa Barbara County committed in the fall of 2009 to two winters of funding for SBCK. By working together, Santa Barbara has ensured year-round monitoring in the county at least through March However, the value of this monitoring will be limited without the health department s commitment to post beach advisories when needed based on this SBCK data. Summer dry weather water quality in Santa Barbara was very good. 15 of 16 monitoring locations (94%) received or B grades. 100% received or B grades for year-round dry weather. Gaviota Beach had the lowest (C) grade during B411. East Beach at Mission Creek has seen marked improvement during the B411 time period over the last few years. Last year was the 3rd beach season after the completion of its diversion/uv disinfection system designed to treat dry weather flows from the Westside storm drain. East Beach at Mission Creek scored its third straight grade for B411. No beaches scored lower than a B grade during year-round dry weather. rroyo Burro (C) and East Beach at Mission Creek (F) scored the only fair-to-poor grades in the county for the winter dry weather period. These two beaches also scored the county s only wet weather F grades. Goleta Beach (D) and Carpinteria State Beach (D) were the only other poor grades in the county during wet weather. Santa Barbara s overall wet weather water quality was poor but slightly above the state average. Santa Barbara has two ongoing CBI projects, a Laguna Channel Watershed Study and Feasibility nalysis and a Microbial Source Tracking Protocol Development Project that were stalled due to the freeze on funding. Time- 27

34 Santa Barbara County Results Santa Barbara County Dry Weather Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (dry weather) 83 frame extension requests have been filed with the State Board for both projects. The Laguna Channel project is designed to identify ways to improve water quality coming out of the Laguna Channel prior to it mixing with Mission Lagoon. DN based source tracking has currently found signs of human fecal material in the storm drains and additional testing is being conducted. The final recommendation for improving water quality will likely be a UV disinfection facility. third project involving an investigation of the fate and transport of the treated effluent plume from the Montecito Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently ongoing as well. dditionally, the Rincon septic to sewer project is in its final design stage. Final permitting details are being worked out and construction should begin in the second quarter of Santa Barbara County s B411, year-round dry and year-round wet grades were all better than the previous six-year averages. Wet weather scores were more than twice as good as during last year s rainy season Sewage Spill Summary There were two reported sewage spills in Santa Barbara County that led Six-year average (dry weather) Santa Barbara County Wet Weather Water Quality Compared to the Six-Year verage ( ) (wet weather) East Beach to beach closures this past year. The first was a significantly sized spill of approximately 3000 gallons into the Mission Creek watershed about two miles from the beach. East Beach at Mission Creek was closed for seven days. rroyo Burro Beach was closed for four days in December due to a ~700 gallon spill at Cliff and Mesa Lane. Six-year average (wet weather) Key: = =B =C = D = F 28

35 San Luis Obispo County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for San Luis Obispo County Beaches 10 Dry weather (B411) grades out of 20 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 20 locations SN LUIS OBISPO The County of San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Department consistently monitored 20 locations again this year, from as far upcoast as Pico venue in San Simeon to a downcoast location at Pismo State Beach two miles south of Pier venue. Most samples were collected weekly 25 yards north or south of the mouth of a storm drain or creek. For additional water quality information visit San Luis Obispo County s Environmental Health Department website at: beach_status.htm. Dry weather water quality in San Luis Obispo County was excellent. 90% of the monitoring locations received grades (Figures 17) for year-round dry weather. 95% of monitoring locations scored or B grades during B411. Pismo Beach Pier scored the Morro Bay County s lowest (C) grade for that time period. Pismo Beach Pier dry weather grades were better than last year and the location avoided the dubious distinction of being one of California s 10 most polluted beaches this year In response to poor water quality at Pismo Beach pier, a microbial source tracking study funded by the CBI was approved in pril During the state budget freeze, samples continued to be taken but advanced analysis of the samples was put on hold. Funding for this study was reinstated in December Plans moving forward include completion of processing samples, complete analysis of collected data, and completion of a draft report. Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 20 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 20 locations Key: = =B = C = D = F Wet weather water quality in San Luis Obispo County was a little worse than last year but still well above the state average. Only two of the 20 (10%) locations monitored received poor grades during wet weather. These monitoring locations were at vila Beach at San Juan Street (F), and Pismo Beach Pier (F). Sewage Spill Summary There were six sewage spills in San Luis Obispo County that led to beach closures this past year. By far the largest was approximately 170,000 gallons of partially treated effluent released ~4500 feet from shore on 1/13/2010. Portions of Pismo State Beach were closed just one day until samples determined that the release had not impacted the shoreline. nother significant spill (>1000 gallons) occurred on 2/27/2010. Moonstone Beach was closed at all access points for three days. The four other spills this past year in San Luis Obispo County were of <1000 gallons or of unknown volume. 29

36 MONTEREY The County of Monterey Environmental Health gency monitored eight locations on a weekly basis from pril through October, from as far upcoast as the Monterey Beach Hotel at Roberts Lake in Seaside to a downcoast location of Carmel City Beach in Carmel by the Sea. For additional water quality information visit Monterey County s Environmental Health gency website at: co.monterey.ca.us/health/beaches/. Monterey County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Monterey County Beaches During the summer B411 time period, all but one monitoring location in Monterey County received an grade (Figure 18). Monterey Municipal Beach (B) scored the county s lowest dry weather grade. Lover s Point scored a summer dry weather grade despite independent studies on multiple occasions suggesting that the beach has a pollution problem. Researchers from Stanford University have tested and found the human bacteroides marker and high bacteria counts near the storm drain and in the sand. Dry weather (B411) grades out of 8 locations Key: = = B = C =D =F Because of the inconsistency between the Environmental Health gency data and independent studies, we recommend that the County agency move their monitoring location to point-zero at the pipe outlet. This will capture data that will give a clearer picture of the water quality at this location on a weekly basis. Monterey County only monitors weekly from pril through October. There was insufficient year-round dry weather and wet weather data for further analysis. Sewage Spill Summary There were no reported sewage spills in Monterey County that led to beach closures. Monterey County 30

37 Santa Cruz County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Santa Cruz County Beaches 6 Dry weather (B411) grades out of 16 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 12 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 12 locations SNT CRUZ This past year, the County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services monitored 16 shoreline locations frequently enough to be included in this report. The beaches monitored weekly in Santa Cruz County range from as far upcoast as Natural Bridges State Beach to a downcoast location at Rio Del Mar Beach. Most samples are collected at the wave wash (where runoff meets surf), or 25 yards north or south of the mouth of a storm drain or creek. For additional water quality information visit Santa Cruz County s Department of Environmental Health Services website at: ll but two beaches in Santa Cruz County received grades during the summer B411 time period. Capitola Beach west of the jetty scored an F grade during B411. lso, a large problem area (five monitoring locations) centered around Cowell Beach wharf presented itself last summer. The beach from the west edge of Dream Inn all the way to Main Beach at lifeguard tower #2 was affected. s a result, the beach was posted with advisories from May 13th 2009 through the end of October. Cowell Beach s water quality was so poor that it ended up as the second most polluted beach in the state on our Beach Bummer list. It is not uncommon for pier locations with businesses, sewer lines, and abundant numbers of seabirds to exhibit poor water quality. County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services reported a huge influx of sea lions and kelp at Cowell Beach last year. Human specific bacteria have also been found in the sand and the water at Cowell Beach and slightly south at Main Beach. Concerted pollution source identification studies at Rio del Mar, Capitola Beach, and the Cowell Beach Pier began in May Overall dry weather water quality at beaches in Santa Cruz County was similar to B411 grades. ll locations outside of Cowell Beach near the wharf or Capitola west of the jetty received grades Wet weather water quality for Santa Cruz County was well below the state average and the lowest it has been since the winter of Only three of 12 (25% -- down from 50% last year) locations scored an or B grade during wet weather. Natural Bridges State Beach (B) and Cowell Beach at the stairs (B) were among the few locations to score above a C grade during wet weather this year. Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 12 locations Sewage Spill Summary There were no sewage spills in Santa Cruz County that led to beach closures this past year. Key: = =B = C = D = F 31

38 San Mateo County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Santa Mateo County Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 20 locations 5 SN MTEO The County of San Mateo Environmental Health Department regularly monitored 20 ocean and bayside locations (five fewer than last year) on a weekly basis during the summer months, from as far upcoast as Rockaway Beach at Calera Creek to a downcoast location of Gazos Beach at Gazos Creek. 16 of these locations were monitored frequently enough to earn year-round grades. Samples were collected at a distance of 25 yards north or south of the mouth of a storm drain or creek. For additional water quality information visit San Mateo County s Department of Environmental Health website at: home/0,,1954_191102_187763,00.html Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 16 locations 6 69 This past year, San Mateo beaches had very good summer dry weather water quality (Figure 20). 17 of the 20 (85%) beach monitoring locations received grades. The historically problematic Venice Beach at Frenchman s Creek (+) has showed improved water quality for the fourth year in a row during dry weather. The County s only poor grades during summer dry weather were found at quatic Park (F) and at Lakeshore Park behind the Recreation Center (D). Water samples at these small beaches are taken directly from the Foster City lagoon which has sporadic water circulation. Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 16 locations Wet weather water quality in San Mateo this past year was poor and slightly below the state average. 50% of beaches received or B grades during wet weather. Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek (D) and Pillar Point Harbor (two poor grades) were the only poor wet weather grades on the ocean side of the county. Coyote Point (B) was the only bayside monitoring location that did not receive an F grade for wet weather. Sewage Spill Summary quatic Park and Lakeshore Park were closed for a number of days this past year due to combined sewer overflows of unknown volumes after heavy rainstorms. Both locations were closed for almost two weeks during October Lakeshore Park was posted for 50 straight days (from 1/19/2010 until 3/10/2010) until water samples indicated the beach was safe for reopening. On the ocean side, Surfer s Beach was closed for two days in late January 2010 after a broken pipe released approximately 300 gallons of sewage. Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 16 locations Key: = =B =C = D = F 32

39 San Francisco County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for San Francisco County Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 14 locations 7 Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 14 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 14 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 14 locations SN FRNCISCO The County of San Francisco, in partnership with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, continued its weekly monitoring program for ocean and bay shoreline locations. The monitoring program is funded in part through an Environmental Protection gency BECH grant program. The County monitored 14 locations on a weekly basis year-round, from quatic Park Beach (Hyde Street Pier) to Ocean Beach at Sloat Blvd., and three sites at Candlestick Point. For additional water quality information please visit the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission website at: Overall, San Francisco exhibited very good water quality during the B411 time period. ll beaches except Baker Beach at Lobos Creek (F) received or B grades. Year-round dry weather water quality at San Francisco beaches this past year was also very good. 12 of the 14 locations received or B grades (see Figure 21). Sunnydale Cove at Candlestick Point scored a C grade during year round dry weather. But once again, Baker Beach at Lobos Creek was the standout for poor water quality during the timeframe. Water quality was so poor at Baker Beach at Lobos Creek this past year that it has earned a slot on our Beach Bummer list of the 10 most polluted beaches in California. Wet weather water quality at San Francisco monitoring sites was poor and slightly below the state average. Seven of the 14 (50%) locations received poor grades for wet weather. Wet weather water quality this year was also slightly lower than both last year s and the six-year average for wet weather grades. Background Information from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission The City and County of San Francisco have a unique storm water infrastructure that occurs in no other California coastal county -- a combined sewer and storm drain system (CSS). This system provides treatment to most of San Francisco s stormwater flows. ll street runoff during dry weather receives full secondary treatment and all storm flow receives at least the wet weather equivalent of primary treatment, while most storm flows receive full secondary treatment before being discharged through a designated outfall. During heavy rain events, the CSS can discharge combined treated urban runoff and sewage waste water, typically comprised of 94% treated stormwater and 6% treated sanitary flow. In an effort to reduce the number of combined sewer discharges (CSDs), San Francisco has built a system of underground storage, transport, and treatment boxes to handle major rain events. CSDs are legally, quantitatively, and qualitatively distinct from raw sewage spills that occur in communities with separate sewers. Key: = =B = C = D = F 33

40 In addition to most CSS stormwater discharges being treated, they are also of much shorter duration and lower volume than discharges in communities with separate storm drain systems. Because of the CSS, San Francisco s ocean shoreline has no flowing storm drains in dry weather throughout the year, and therefore is not subject to B411 monitoring requirements, but the city does have a year-round program that monitors beaches each week. lthough most of San Francisco is served by the CSS, there are some areas of federally owned land and areas operated by the Port of San Francisco that have separate storm drains. Sewage Spill Summary Combined sewer discharges in San Francisco are legally allowed as the result of rainfall. There were five permitted combined sewer discharge events between pril 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 that resulted in portions of San Francisco beaches being posted (not every discharge affected every beach). CSDs occurred on 10/13/2009, Ocean Beach 1/18/2010, and 1/19/2010 affecting a combination of Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, China Beach, and/ or Baker Beach. The October 13th, 2009 and January 19th, 2010 events also impacted Candlestick Point. Baker Beach experienced two additional CSD events on 1/29/2010 and 2/26/2010. The February 26th event also impacted China Beach. 34

41 East Bay Counties Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for East Bay County Beaches EST BY BECHES CONTR COST ND LMED The East Bay Regional Park District consistently monitored 10 shoreline locations again this year including three in Contra Costa County and seven in lameda. Samples were collected weekly during B411 and at least twice a month throughout the winter. For additional information on the East Bay Regional Park District and its numerous activities, please visit: ebparks.org Dry weather (B411) grades out of 10 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 10 locations 50 Monitoring locations in lameda County scored very good water quality grades overall for both dry weather time periods. Water quality at Keller Beach was poor during both summer and year-round dry weather due to geometric mean exceedances of the state standard for total coliforms. The local monitoring agency attributes these exceedances to dense aquatic vegetation in the swim area. Wet weather grades for monitoring locations in both Contra Costa and lameda counties were very good and well above the state average. 70% of locations received either an or B grade during year-round wet weather. Crown Beach Bird Sanctuary (D) was the only poor grade during wet weather Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 10 locations Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 10 locations East Bay Sewage Spill Summary Two sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) resulted in beach closures at Keller Beach locations on 6/13/09 (for three days) and 1/24/10 (for four days). The Dubai Star oil tanker spill caused the longest beach closures last year affecting locations in Crown Beach and lameda Point. lameda Point Beach was closed for a week while some locations at Crown Beach were closed for almost a month following the spill. Key: = =B =C = D = F 35

42 MRIN Marin County s water quality monitoring program gathered data from 24 bayside and oceanside monitoring locations. Ocean locations included Dillon Beach, Bolinas Beach (Wharf Road), Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Rodeo Beach, and Baker Beach. These locations were monitored on a weekly basis from pril through October. There was little or no monitoring during the winter months. For additional water quality information, visit Marin County s Department of Environmental Health website at: Water quality was excellent at all beach monitoring locations in Marin County. (Figure 23). ll locations in Marin County received grades for the B411 time period during the summer of There was an insufficient amount of non-b411 dry weather, and wet weather data for further analysis. Marin County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Marin County Beaches 100 Dry weather (B411) grades out of 24 locations Key: = = B =C =D =F Sewage Spill Summary There were no known sewage spills that led to beach closures in Marin County this past year. PhyloChip With EP s deadline quickly approaching (end of 2010) to approve a rapid method for beach water testing, rapid method alternatives have begun to emerge. The PhyloChip shows much promise due to its immense ability to detect microbial diversity based on an entire 16S rrn gene database (>50,000 different bacteria and archaea in a single test). The current methods (membrane filtration and IDEXX method) rely on the growth of bacteria in order to quantify bacteria by a color change or isolate count. Future modifications to these chips may include a scaled down version which targets organisms of interest for water quality monitoring and public health. In the future the PhyloChip could be used to detect living organisms (it currently detects both living and non-living). Enhanced quantification efficacy of ocean and runoff samples is another goal. The PhyloChip has aided in source tracking projects and has the potential to identify new sets of indicator taxa for improved tracking of fecal pollution. CBI funded test pilot is currently underway, and will continue throughout the summer of The pilot study monitoring locations include Campbell Cove in Sonoma County, Baker Beach in San Francisco, and numerous ocean, bay, and freshwater locations in Marin County. More information on the study and the technology can be found at: 36

43 Sonoma County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Sonoma County Beaches Dry weather (B411) grades out of 7 locations Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 7 locations Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 7 locations SONOM The County of Sonoma Environmental Health Division monitored seven locations year-round from as far upcoast as Gualala Regional Park Beach to a downcoast location at Doran Regional Park Beach in Bodega Bay. Samples were collected 25 yards north or south of the mouth of a storm drain or creek on a weekly basis. For additional water quality information visit Sonoma County s Department of Environmental Health website at: Dry weather water quality conditions at all beaches in Sonoma was excellent. ll locations scored grades during both B411 and year-round dry weather. For the first time in eight years Campbell Cove State Park Beach did not suffer from late summer water quality problems. Campbell Trinidad Beach Cove water quality dramatically improved from a D grade last year to an grade this year. Field observations reported substantially less birds in the monitoring site area this past summer. More on Campbell Cove can be found in the report entitled The Bodega Bay-Campbell Cove Tidal Circulation Study, Water Quality Testing, and Source batement Measures Project. This report can be found on Sonoma County s Environmental Health Department s web site. Campbell Cove is also the northernmost sampling site that is part of the PhyloChip pilot study (see sidebar page 36). ll sites in Sonoma County were monitored frequently enough to score year-round grades for the second year in a row. Even wet weather water quality was very good. ll monitoring locations received or B grades during wet weather. Sewage Spill Summary There were no reported sewage spills in Sonoma County that led to beach closures. Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 7 locations Key: = =B =C = D = F 37

44 MENDOCINO This past year, Mendocino County monitored five locations frequently enough during the B411 time period to earn grades. These locations include MacKerricher Beach State Park at Mill Creek, Pudding Creek ocean outlet, Big River near Pacific Coast Highway, and Van Damme State Park at the Little River. ll 4 beaches received an + grade for the B411 time period. The Environmental Health Department, with assistance from the Mendocino County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, monitored sampling locations from pril through October. Not all sampling locations were monitored regularly during this time period. The five that were monitored consistently are included in this report. Mendocino County locations were not monitored year-round. Sewage Spill Summary There were no reported sewage spills in Mendocino County that led to beach closures. Mendocino County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Mendocino County Beaches 100 Dry weather (B411) grades out of 5 locations Key: = = B =C =D =F Mendocino County 38

45 Humboldt County Results Percentage of Grades by Time Period for Humboldt County Beaches 100 HUMBOLDT In an effort to proactively protect public health, the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (DEH) moved their monitoring locations to point zero in Five locations are sampled in the mixing zone on a weekly basis from pril through October. Throughout the winter season, sampling is limited to approximately twice a month. The monitoring program is funded by the Environmental Protection gency s National BECH Program. For additional water quality information, please visit Humboldt County s Dept. of Environmental Health website at: Dry weather (B411) grades out of 5 locations 100 Dry weather water quality in Humboldt was excellent again this year. ll beaches scored grades during both B411 and year-round dry weather. Wet weather scores were below the state average. Only two of five (40%) locations scored or B grades during wet weather. The fair-to-poor wet weather water quality in the county was seen at Luffenholtz Beach near Luffenholtz Creek (C), Clam Beach County Park near Strawberry Creek (C), and at the Mad River Mouth (D). Dry weather (winter-dry) grades out of 5 locations Sewage Spill Summary There were no reported sewage spills in Humboldt County that led to beach closures. Dry weather (year-round) grades out of 5 locations DEL NORTE Historically, monitoring in Del Norte County was conducted in the Crescent City area at Pebble Beach, Crescent City Harbor, and Crescent Beach. Despite our best efforts, Heal the Bay has been unsuccessful in obtaining any data to include in this report. Sewage Spill Summary The county did not provide Heal the Bay with a summary of beach closures due to sewage spills. 20 Wet weather (year-round) grades out of 5 locations Key: = =B =C = D = F 39

46 Beach Pollution Patterns Percentage of Grades by Beach Type (Open) Open ocean beaches - B411 (74 beaches analyzed) Open ocean beaches - winter dry (65 beaches analyzed) Open ocean beaches - dry weather (year-round) (65 beaches analyzed) BECH TYPES ND WTER QULITY Southern California data (Santa Barbara to San Diego County) was analyzed to determine differences in water quality based on beach type. Most Southern California beaches were divided into three categories: open ocean beaches; beaches adjacent to a creek, river, or storm drain (natural or concrete); and beaches located within enclosed waterbodies. The grades were analyzed for all four time periods: summer dry season (pril through October - the months covered under B411); winter dry weather (November 2009 through March 2010); year-round dry weather; and year-round wet weather conditions. Figures illustrate grade percentages for all time periods by beach type. This comparison clearly demonstrates that water quality at open ocean beaches is far superior to water quality at enclosed and storm drain impacted beaches. In essence, a swimmer has a nearly 100% chance of finding excellent water quality at an open ocean beach with no known pollution source during dry weather. t enclosed beaches and those affected by storm drains, the chance of swimming in excellent water quality drops dramatically (78% and 83% respectively). These differences are even more dramatic during wet weather (48% grades at open ocean beaches compared to 0% for enclosed beaches and 24% for storm drain impacted beaches) These results are similar to what has been found in previous years. The results demonstrate why routine, frequent monitoring is far more critical at enclosed beaches and at storm drain and stream impacted beaches. Heal the Bay always recommends swimming at least 100 yards from flowing storm drains and avoiding these beaches altogether within 72 hours of a rain event. lthough enclosed beaches appear safe and inviting to children, parents should research water quality conditions carefully before allowing their children to swim at these beaches Open ocean beaches - wet weather (65 beaches analyzed) Key: = =B =C = D = F 40