HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 - DNA Study of Contaminants - Scope of Work & Contract0
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REVISED ITEM 3
TO: Members of the Newport Beach City Council
FROM: Dave Kiff, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT: DNA Study of Contaminants to Newport Bay - Approval of Preliminary
Scope of Work and Authorization to Approve Contract
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
A) Approve, in concept, proposed Scope of Work for DNA Study;
B) Adopt Resolution 99 -_ authorizing the Mayor to approve a future contract
with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Santa Ana
Region) for a DNA study of contaminants to Newport Bay based on the
approved Scope of Work.
EXECUTIVE The City wants to know the true source of certain Bay contaminants -bird
SUMMARY: droppings, dog or cat waste, or human waste -- so that we can better combat
problems where they exist. To this end, Governor Gray Davis has approved
spending $175,000 in State dollars to " fingerprint" Newport Bay contaminants
according to their DNA code.
The City will work with other interested parties (the Regional Board, the County,
and the Harbor Quality Convnittee) to review the DNA work done by the
proposed contractor, Dr. Mansour Samadpour of the University of Washington.
This item includes the proposed Scope of Work and the proposed Contract
between the Regional Board and the City that will encumber the State funds.
Pending State approval of the Scope and Contract, the contractor may take test
samples as soon as the end of August, with data reported within 3-4 months.
BACKGROUND: How safe are our coastal waters for swimmers? Usually very safe. But large rain
events and certain urban summertime flows can bring disease - causing pathogens
Is it safe to swim in the (such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) into Newport Bay and the ocean,
Bay? causing a health hazard. Listed here are some common "pathogens" and the
human diseases that they may cause:
•E. coli (bacteria) - gastroenteritis
• Salmonella typhi (bacteria) - typhoid fever
• Shigella dysenteriae (bacteria) - bacterial dysentery
• Cryptosporidium (protozoa) - diarrhea
• Giardia lamblia (protozoa) - diarrhea
• Rotavirus (virus) - gastroenteritis
• Coxackievirus (virus) - respiratory disease, fevers, rashes
• Hepatitus A (virus) - infectious hepatitus (liver malfunction) -"
Newport Beach City Council
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BACKGROUND: It's difficult and quite expensive to determine if the above pathogens exist in our
(cont'd) coastal waters -so the Environmental Health Division of the Orange County
Health Care Agency ( OCHCA) tests instead for indicators of the pathogens.
Pathogen Indicators Because science tells us that the pathogens may be present at the same time as
these indicators, we assume that the presence of the indicators means that one or
more of the pathogens may be present, too.
AB 411 (Wayne) In 1997, the State Legislature passed AB 411 (Wayne, D -San Diego), which
established statewide testing standards for pathogen indicators. AB 411 requires
health officials to "post" beaches as closed for water contact activities if the
following standards were met or exceeded:
• Total Coliform (if more than 10,000 organisms are present in a single 100 ml sample)
• Fecal Coliform (400 organisms /100 ml)
• Enterococci (104 organisms /100 ml)
The Wayne bill also adopted a "30 day log mean" standard for each of the three
indicators -so that beaches must be posted and closed if a beach exceeds certain
standards over a 30 -day average of five weekly samples). This bill, despite its
adoption in 1997, has only recently become effective (late July 1999) due to delays
in the State's adoption of regulations implementing AB 411.
County of Orange water Even before the effective date of the Wayne bill, Orange County has been a
quality testing program leader in coastal water quality testing. OCHCA began its sampling program in
1965 and now samples weekly at 35 specific areas in Newport Bay. The Orange
County Sanitation District tests eight areas 3x a week in the surfzone along the •
oceanfront. While a significant majority of the Bay and oceanfront routinely
shows low levels of the three indicators, urban runoff typically causes the
following areas to exceed statewide standards:
Problem Areas • North Beach at Newport Dunes
• Tributaries to Newport Bay -San Diego Creek, Santa Ana Delhi Channel,
and Big Canyon Creek
• 43,d Street Beach
• 38� Street Beach
• 33,d Street Channel
• "Arches' Bridge
• Rhine Channel
Recent Closures As a result of AB 411 and the OCHCA testing program, the beaches at 43rd Street
and 38th Street in West Newport were closed to water contact sports on July 28,
1999. The closure of the beaches invites the question of what caused the high
levels of one or more of the three indicators.
We know that these indicators can come from a variety of sources - soils,
Sources of decaying vegetation, animal wastes, and human waste. But we cannot isolate the
Contamination cause any further without conducting additional -and expensive - testing. One
way to determine whether or not the indicators are caused by birds, animals, or
humans is to match the indicators' DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or "genetic
code" with known DNA from a "library" of various birds and animals common
to the testing area.
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• BACKGROUND: In Fall 1997, the City of Coronado wanted to determine the source of a
(cont'd) persistently high coliform level coming from storm drain discharges at a region
of the City known as North Beach. The high coliform counts led to beach
closures, public health risks, and scrutiny by regulatory agencies.
Coronado's Experience Coronado contracted with Woodward- Clyde, an environmental services
company, to conduct a source characterization study of the coliform and to
propose alternatives that would remedy the problem. To conduct the source
characterization portion of the contract, Woodward -Clyde subcontracted with
Dr. Mansour Samadpour of the University of Washington. Samadpour first
"genetically fingerprinted" 253 E coli strains from 125 separate water samples
taken from a single outfall pipe at North Beach. Samadpour then gathered
samples from local animals in the area (cats, dogs, opossums, sea gulls, coots,
herons) and attempted to match the E coli strains with the "ribotypes" of local
animals and ribotypes in his database.
DNA Matches Samadpour was able to match 45% of the strains with database ribotypes. Of
these matches:
• 62% matched ribotypes of humans
• 19% matched ribotypes of birds
• 7% matched ribotypes of dogs
• 6% matched ribotypes of cats, and
• 6% matched ribotypes of rodents.
• According to Woodward- Clyde, the 'state of the science" at the time of the
Coronado study was to be able to match less than 60% of the total samples. As
noted, Dr. Samadpour reached 45 %.
The UV Solution Woodward -Clyde took the results of the Samadpour analysis and concluded that
some sanitary sewage was entering the storm water /ground water system.
Eventually the company worked with Coronado to develop an end -of -pipe
treatment system using Ultraviolet light to "disinfect" the flows.
City's State Budget In March 1999, Newport Beach resident Dr. Jack Skinner notified us of the
Request - Success! Coronado study and suggested that it be done in Newport Bay. We asked
Assembly Member Marilyn Brewer (R- Irvine) to seek $175,000 in State funding
for this study. In July 1999, the City learned that Governor Gray Davis had
approved the appropriation and authorized the City to conduct the study under
the guidance and review of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board
(Santa Ana Region).
The Scope of Work To prepare the Scope of Work for the Study, we met with Ken Theisen of the
Regional Board, Larry Honeybourne and Monica Mazur of OCHCA, Holly Veale
of Supervisor Wilson's Office, and Dr. Skinner on Thursday, July 22. We will
continue to rely upon these individuals to" guide" the Study. As a result of the
meeting, Mr. Theisen prepared a Scope of Work which identifies five key aspects
of the Study. The aspects follow:
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BACKGROUND: Five Aspects of Proposed DNA Study
(cont'd) O Study/ Project Management
-- Quarterly Reports to Regional Board
-- City's management of subcontractors
® Storm Drain and Tributary Sampling
-- Sampling and DNA testing of E coli from these' priority areas':
1) Newport Dunes, North Beach
2) San Diego Creek
3) Santa Ana -Delhi Channel
4) Big Canyon Wash
5) Buck Gully (outlet at Little Corona beach)
6) Arches storm drain (Newport Blvd and PCH)
7) 431d Street Beach storm drain
8) 3314 Street storm drain
9) Storm drain at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
10) Carnation Cove storm drain
11) Storm drain at PCH/Dover Bridge
® Newport Dunes/ Bacteria[ Shedding Sampling
-- Sampling and DNA analysis of E call collected in -bay at Newport Dunes
during heavy swimmer use of Dunes embayment.
O Vessel Waste Sampling
--Sampling and DNA analysis of E coli collected in -bay at "several marinas
throughout Newport Bay."
® Assistance of OCHCA with Sanitary Surveys
-- When OCHCA closes a beach during a 2 -year period of the Study, the Study
will fund OCHCA's DNA analysis of the sampled contaminants to allow
OCHCA to "source" the contaminants which caused the beach closure.
Meeting Several City This Scope of Work will enable the City to accomplish several goals -we can: •
Goals • Better understand what's coming down our storm drains and what's
coming into the Upper Bay from other cities.
• Better understand the amount of contaminants contributed by swimmers.
• Complete at least one of the requirements of the Pathogen TMDL (Total
Maximum Daily Loads) via the evaluation of vessel discharges.
• Assist the County in identifying (and later eliminating) causes of beach
closures when County samples show high coliform readings.
It is important to note that the science associated with this Study may require additional
peer review before it can be used as anything more than a guide to policy- makers. As
such, the City believes that the Study will complement -but not supplant --future
research efforts yet to be determined.
Action Requested This agenda item asks the Council to approve, in concept, the DRAFT Scope of
Today ... Work described above and contained in Attachment B. It further asks that the
Council adopt a resolution (which will be sent by the Regional Board to the State)
that authorizes the Mayor to execute a future contract between the City and the
Regional Board based on this Scope of Work.
PREVIOUS At its meeting on August 5, the Harbor Quality Committee unanimously voted
ACl'IONS: to forward this item to the Council for approval of the recommended actions.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A: Resolution 99-
Attachment B: DRAFT Scope of Work for DNA Study
Attachment C: Original Budget Request to Assembly Member Brewer
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Attachment: A
RESOLUTION 99-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF; THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A $175,000 CONTRACT
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
WITH THE CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
FOR A DNA STUDY OF WATER QUALITY CONTAMINANTS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach has long been concerned about
protecting the water quality of Newport Bay and the Orange County coastline; and
WHEREAS, the County of Orange and the Orange County Sanitation District both perform
water sampling in and around Newport Beach on a routine basis to ensure that waters are safe for
swimmers and other water contact sports; and
WHEREAS, current testing and sampling can tell :policy- makers that an area is contaminated
with bacteria that may be harmful to swimmers, but it cannot typically tell whether the source of the
contamination is human, avian, canine, or of some other origin; and
WHEREAS, recent work done in San Diego County that has "genetically fingerprinted"
contaminants has enabled policy- makers there to better understand the sources of water
contamination; and
WHEREAS, the State of California, with the assistance of State Assembly Member Marilyn
Brewer, Governor Gray Davis, and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Santa Ana
Region), has authorized the expenditure of $175,000 by the City of Newport Beach to conduct genetic
fingerprinting of contaminants to the waters around Newport Beach; and
WHEREAS, the Regional Board has developed a Scope of Work for the fingerprinting study
and wishes to enter into a contract with the City to manage the Study and its contractors and
subcontractors; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CT]CY OF NEWPORT BEACH that the Council
supports the Regional Board and City staff in the completion of this Study and hereby authorizes the
Mayor to enter into a contract not to exceed $175,000 on behalf of the City with the Regional Board for
the performance and management of the Study.
ADOPTED this 9w day of August, 1999
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ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
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Attachment B
DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK
CONTRACT WITH
THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
FOR A
STUDY TO DETERMINE SOURCES OF BACTERIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION AT BEACHES IN
NEWPORT BEACH AND NEWPORT BAY
1. Project Officials
The State Water Resources Control Board's ( SWRCB) Contract Manager shall be Kenneth Theisen of
the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board ( RWQCB). The Contract Manager shall be the
day -to day representative for administration of this agreement, and, except as otherwise specifically
provided, shall have full authority to act on behalf of the SWRCB with respect to this agreement. The
SWRCB's Executive Director, or designee, may also perform any and all acts which would be
performed by the Contract Manager under this agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided,
all communications relative to this agreement shall be given to the Contract Manager.
The Contractor's Project Director shall be Dave Kiff, Assistant to the City Manager of the City of
Newport Beach. The Project Director shall be the Contractor's representative for the administration of
the agreement and shall have full authority to act on behalf of the Contractor. All communications
given to the Project Director shall be as binding as if given to the Contractor.
The parties may change their Contract Manager and Project Director upon providing ten (10) days
written notice to the other party.
2. Work to be Performed,
The Orange County Health Care Agency ( OCHCA) monitors beaches throughout Newport Bay and
the City of Newport Beach to determine concentrations of various indicators of bacteriological and
pathogenic water pollution. The OCHCA uses this monitoring data to determine if the water quality at
the beaches is suitable for body contact recreation. The OCHCA will close beaches to body contact
recreation when the concentrations of the indicators exceed water quality objectives. The OCHCA
monitors beach water quality for total and fecal coliform bacteria, a -coli bacteria, and other suitable
indicators of water pollution from pathogens, and conducts sanitary surveys to determine the sources
of pollution when the indicators exceed water quality objectives.
Based on the water quality monitoring conducted by the OCHCA, and the closure of numerous
beaches to body contact recreation throughout Newport Bay, the RWQCB has listed Newport Bay as
water quality limited, in accordance with Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The RWQCB
determined that water quality in the Bay does not currently meet water quality objectives established
by the RWQCB for the protection of body contact recreation and shellfish harvesting beneficial uses.
On April 9, 1999 the RWQCB adopted amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa
Ana River Basin (Basin Plan), establishing a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Fecal Coliform in
Newport Bay. The TMDL includes requirements for the City of Newport Beach, and other responsible
parties, to determine the sources of pollution causing the beach closures, and to develop and
implement control measures for these sources to ensure compliance with water quality objectives.
The work to be performed under this contract includes the collection and analysis of water samples to
assist the OCHCA and the City of Newport Beach in determining the sources of bacteriological water
pollution at numerous locations throughout the City. The work includes the collection and analysis of
water samples from numerous storm drains and tributaries that discharge into Newport Bay and city
beaches to determine the sources of fecal coliform in the discharges. The City intends to subcontract
with the OCHCA, and /or other certified laboratories, and the laboratory of Dr. Mansour Samadpour at
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the University of Washington, for the analysis of the water samples. Dr. Samadpour will use his
recently developed method of genetic typing analysis for a -coli bacteria to qualitatively identify sources
of fecal coliform found in the discharges. This work will determine whether there are human sources
of fecal coliform, as well as identify the types of animals that contribute to the concentrations of fecal
coliform in the discharges to the Bay and City beaches.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the performance of the work as set forth herein below and will
be completed in cooperation with its subcontractors, the OCHCA, and/or another certified lab, and Dr.
Samadpour.
Task 1 Project Management
1.1 Project Management
Provide all technical and administrative services as needed for project completion as
described under the scope of the contract, including but not limited to: staff resources
for monitoring, supervising, and reviewing all work performed, coordination of
budgeting, scheduling, and subcontract administration.
1.2 Quarterly Progress Reports
Prepare and submit written quarterly progress reports to the Contract Manager. The
progress reports shall detail work accomplished, discuss any problems, detail costs
incurred during the subject quarter, and document delivery of any intermediate work
products. A brief outline of upcoming work scheduled for the subsequent quarter shall
also be provided. Submit progress reports to the Contract Manager no later than the
fifteenth day of the month immediately following each calendar quarter throughout the
duration of the project.
1.3 Subcontractor Selection
Award subcontracts as necessary to qualified consultants. The subcontractors shall
be selected by a process that complies with applicable state and federal regulations.
Prepare a legally enforceable agreement between the Contractor and selected
subcontractors. The agreement shall describe the scope of work and the products
expected from the subcontractors. Submit draft contract documents to the Contract
Manager for review and approval prior to execution.
1.4 Project Survey Form
At the completion of the project and prior to final payment the Project Director shall
complete and provide a project survey form to be included with the final report.
Products: Quarterly progress reports, subcontractor selection, Project Survey Form
Task 2 Storm Drain and Tributary Sampling
2.1 Sampling Plan for Storrs Drains and Tributaries
Prepare a draft sampling plan for: 1) the Back Bay Drive storm drain that discharges
into the Dunes Resort embayment, 2) San Diego Creek, 3) Santa Ana Delhi Channel,
4) Big Canyon Wash, 5) Buck Gully, and the storm drains that discharge into Newport
Bay at 6) the Arches, 7) 43n0 St., 8) 33" St., 9) Bahia Corinthian, 10) Carnation Cove,
and 11) Pack Coast Highway Bridge. The sampling plan shall identify who will
collect the samples and the time and frequency of sample collection at each location
specified. The sampling plan shall provide for the analysis of the samples for total
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and fecal coliform, enteroccocus bacteria, and a -coli bacteria, and the genetic
fingerprinting of fecal coliforms to determine their host species and the source of the
bacteria. Specifically, genetic fingerprinting of the cultures will be performed by
ribosomal RNA typing using two restriction enzymes. The genetic fingerprints of a -coli
strains isolated from water samples will then be compared to genetic fingerprints of e-
coli of known origin. The sampling plan shall include the collection of tlhe reference
samples for the comparison. Submit the draft sampling plan for the review and
approval by the Contract Manager.
2.2 Implementation of Sampling Plan for Storm Drains and Tributaries
Implement the draft sampling plan described above upon approval by the Contract
Manager.
Products: A report of the analytical results showing the bacteriological water quality,
including the indicators and genetic fingerprinting described above, for the
storm drains and tributaries identifed.
Task 3 Evaluation of Shedding of Bacteria in the Dunes
Embayment
3.1 Sampling Plan for Evaluating Shedding of Bacteria in the Dunes Embayment
Prepare a draft sampling plan for evaluating the extent and type of bacterial shedding
from swimmers in the Dunes Resort embayment, The sampling plan shall identify who
will collect the samples and the time and frequency of sample collection at locations
within the Dunes Resort embayment. The sampling plan shall provide for the analysis
of the samples for total and fecal coliform, enteroccocus bacteria, and a -coli bacteria,
and the genetic fingerprinting of fecal coliforms to determine their host species and
the source of the bacteria. Specifically, genetic fingerprinting of the cultures will be
performed by ribosomal RNA typing using two restriction enzymes. The genetic
fingerprints of a -coli strains isolated from water samples will then be compared to
genetic fingerprints of a -coli of known origin. The sampling plan shall iinclude the
collection of the reference samples for the comparison. Submit the draft sampling
plan for the review and approval by the Contract Manager.
3.2 Implementation of Sampling Plan for Evaluating Shedding of Bacteria in the
Dunes Embayment
Implement the draft sampling plan described above upon approval by the Contract
Manager.
Products: A report of the analytical results from the samples collected to evaluate
shedding of bacteria from swimmers.
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Task 4 Evaluation of Vessel Waste Sources of Bacteria
4.1 Sampling Plan for Vessel Waste
Prepare a draft sampling plan for evaluating vessel waste in several marinas
throughout Newport Bay. The sampling Flan shall identify who will collect the samples
and the time and frequency of sample collection, and the location of sampling. The
sampling plan shall provide for the analysis of the samples for total and fecal coliform,
enteroccocus bacteria, and a -coli bacteria, and the genetic fingerprinting of fecal
coliforms to determine their host species and the source of the bacteria. Specifically,
genetic fingerprinting of the cultures will be performed by ribosomal RNA typing using
two restriction enzymes. The genetic fingerprints of a -coli strains isolated from water
samples will then be compared to genetic fingerprints of a -colt of known origin. The
sampling plan shall include the collection of the reference samples for the
comparison. Submit the draft sampling plan for the review and approval by the
Contract Manager.
4.2 Implementation of Sampling Plan for Vessel Waste
Implement the draft sampling plan described above upon approval by the Contract
Manager.
Products: A report of the analytical results from the samples collected to evaluate vessel
waste.
Task 5 Assisting the OCHCA in the Conduct of Sanitary
Surveys
Prepare a draft sampling plan for assisting the OCHCA in the completion of sanitary
surveys when the routine monitoring conducted by the OCHCA results in beach
closures, for a period of two years. The sampling plan shall identify who will collect
the samples and the time and frequency of sample collection, and the location of
sampling. The sampling plan shall provide for the analysis of the samples for total
and fecal coliform, enteroccocus bacteria, and a -coli bacteria, and the genetic
fingerprinting of fecal coliforms to determine their host species and the source of the
bacteria. Specifically, genetic fingerprinting of the cultures will be performed by
ribosomal RNA typing using two restriction enzymes. The genetic fingerprints of a -coli
strains isolated from water samples will then be compared to genetic fingerprints of e-
coli of known origin. The sampling plan shall include the collection of the reference
samples for the comparison. Submit the draft sampling plan for the review and
approval by the Contract Manager.
Products: Sanitary surveys providing the results of the analysis for the indicators
and genetic fingerprinting specified.
3. Reports
a. Not later than October 15, 1999, and quarterly thereafter, during the life of this
contract the Project Director shall provide a written progress report to the Contract
Manager describing activities undertaken, accomplishment of milestones, and any
problems encountered in the performance of the work under this agreement, and
delivery of intermediate products, if any.
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b. The Project Director shall submit to the Contract Manager for approval the reports
containing the results of the work performed in accordance with the schedule of this
exhibit.
C. Not later than August 1, 2002, the Project Director shall submit to the Contract
Manager a final report of all the monitoring data collected pursuant to this contract.
4. Schedule of Completion Dates
Task
Item
Date
1
Project Management
1.1
Project Management
Ongoing
1.2
Quarterly Progress Reports
Beginning October 15, 1999,
and quarterly thereafter
1.3
Subcontractor Selection
ongoing
2
Storm Drain and Tributary Sampling
2.1
Draft Plan
I August 1, 1999
2.2
Implement Plan
August 1, 2002
3
Evaluation Of Shedding
3.1
Draft Plan
January 1, 2000
3.2
Implement Plan
August 1, 2002
4
Evaluation of Vessel Waste
4.1
Draft Plan
January 1, 2000
4.2
Im Plan
August 1, 2002
5
Assist OCHCA Sanitary Surveys
ME
August 1, 2002
Final Report
I August 1, 2002
5. Task Budget
Task
Item
Cost
1
Project Management
1.1
Project Management
$500
1.2
Quarterly Progress Reports
$500
1.3
Subcontractor Selection
$500
2
Storm Drain and Tributary Sampling
2.1
Draft Plan
$1000
2.2
Implement Plan
$75,000
3
Evaluation Of Shedding
3.1
Draft Plan
$1250
3.2
Implement Plan
$35,000
4
Evaluation of Vessel Waste
4.1
Draft Plan
$1250
4.2
Im lement Plan
$35,000
5
Assist OCHCA Sanitary Surveys
$25,000
Total Cost
$175,000
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Attachment C
Pilot Program to Identify Fecal Coliform Inputs to Newport Bay
PROBLEM: Health experts do not know if specific contaminants to Newport Bay
actually carry pathogens harmful to humans -this is because most testing
practices cant determine if the contaminants are from human sources.
Identifying and stopping the contaminants from entering the Bay is easier
if we know the actual source.
PROPOSAL: Fund and conduct a state-of-the-art study of Newport Bay contaminants
using DNA testing to identify the actual source of the contaminants AND
whether or not they are human in origin. Study end product may include
design of treatment /mitigation alternative.
COST: $175,000 -one time expense.
BENEFITS: Can better target local resources towards source controls of contaminants
that are human in origin. State and county health officials will have new
scientific data applicable to any impaired water body.
STATE INTEREST: Directly responds to two state mandates, including those contained in AB
411 (Wayne, 1997) and the direction of California Regional Water Quality
Control Boards.
BACKGROUND: The federal Clean Water Act requires the State of California) through
Califomia Regional Water Quahty Control Boards) to identify impaired
water bodies and to implement corrective measures to restore the areas to
current standards for water contact sports and for shellfish harvesting.
These corrective measures include' total maximum daily loads" (TMDLs)
of sediment, nutrients, pathogens, and toxic materials.
The Santa Ana Regional Board has identified Newport Bay as its primary
impaired water body. In April :1999, the Board will adopt a TMDL for
pathogens that will require local agencies to limit inputs of fecal coliform.
Fecal Coliform is a bacteria present in human, animal, and waterfowl waste
AND in some soils. If associated with human waste, it MAY indicate the
presence of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) that cause human disease.
In addition to the TMDL requirements, when the State of California
adopted AB 411 (Wayne, 1997), it required county health officers to test
recreational waters for three indicators of possible human pathogens.
These include:
• Total Coliform
• Fecal Coliform
• Enterococcus
The Wayne bill requires County, health officials to close beaches and
waterways if testing shows the presence of these indicators above certain
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BACKGROUND standards. The standards in the Wayne bill differ from the limits set forth
(coned): in the proposed Pathogen TMDL. Both the Wayne bill and the Pathogen .
TMDL for Newport Bay rely upon limited science to support their actions.
Both address issue areas that will continue to evolve as science learns more
about pathogens.
In order to speed this evolution, the City seeks a pilot water quality testing
program using DNA testing to better identify whether fecal coliform inputs
come from human sources. If so, the City will be able to work with
residents and businesses to control the sources in a more cost- effective
manner.
PRECEDENT: In late Fall 1997, the City of Coronado attempted to determine the causes of
high fecal coliform counts at the outfall of a dewatering system associated
with their groundwater collection network. With high readings coming
from the outfall area, the San Diego Regional Board applied a "cease and
desist" order that required the City to correct the high counts or stop the
dewatering. The City contracted with Woodward Clyde to both engineer a
source identification program AND to study alternatives that would
resolve the problem. After conduction DNA testing of the inputs, the City
was able to show the proportion of fecal coliform inputs that came from
human, animal, and avian waste. Later, Woodward Clyde helped design
an ultraviolet radiation structure that treated the groundwater before
release and that brought coliform counts down to acceptable levels for
water recreation.
Newport Bay's storm drain system is more complex than the single
dewatering outfall at Coronado, but the same types of source identification
combined with better public education about human, animal, and avian
waste control AND a similar UV structure may assist Newport Beach in
meeting the standards of the Wayne bill and the Santa Ana Regional
Board's Pathogen TMDL.
CONTACT: Dave Kiff, Assistant to the City Manager
949/644 -3002
dkiff@ci!y.Newport-beach.ca.us
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