Violations
|
| Violation ID |
Occurred Date |
Violation Type |
(-) Violation Description |
Corrective Action |
Status |
Classification |
Source |
| 1143312 |
02/20/2025 |
Surface Water |
Per Section 5.1.16 of the WDR, the discharge shall not result in visible floating particulates, foams, or oil and grease in the receiving waters. On February 20 at 9:45 a.m., Sanitation Districts sampling personnel observed foam in the San Gabriel River downstream of Discharge Point 001B and traveling to receiving water station RSW-007 (R-13). Operations staff confirmed that the SJCE and SJCW WRPs were operating normally during this time and no changes to the treatment process or foaming had occurred at the plants. However, as a precautionary measure, the defoamant dose was increased at both WRPs the same day. The sampling crew returned to receiving water station RSW-007 (R-13) the following day on February 21 at 10:52 a.m. and observed less foam; by 2:14 p.m., the foam was no longer present. The Sanitation Districts will continue to monitor water quality in the effluent and receiving waters, and the San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff will continue their normal procedures to increase the defoamant dose if foam is observed. |
Per Section 5.1.16 of the WDR, the discharge shall not result in visible floating particulates, foams, or oil and grease in the receiving waters. On February 20 at 9:45 a.m., Sanitation Districts sampling personnel observed foam in the San Gabriel River downstream of Discharge Point 001B and traveling to receiving water station RSW-007 (R-13). Operations staff confirmed that the SJCE and SJCW WRPs were operating normally during this time and no changes to the treatment process or foaming had occurred at the plants. However, as a precautionary measure, the defoamant dose was increased at both WRPs the same day. The sampling crew returned to receiving water station RSW-007 (R-13) the following day on February 21 at 10:52 a.m. and observed less foam; by 2:14 p.m., the foam was no longer present. The Sanitation Districts will continue to monitor water quality in the effluent and receiving waters, and the San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff will continue their normal procedures to increase the defoamant dose if foam is observed. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1139996 |
11/30/2024 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Maximum Daily (MDEL) limit is 0.10 mg/L and reported value was 0.19 mg/L at EFF-002. |
Per Section 4.1.2 of the WDR, the MDEL for total residual chlorine at discharge location EFF-002 is 0.1 mg/L. On November 30, laboratory staff collected a grab sample at 10:38 a.m. from the final effluent at the SJCE WRP and measured a total residual chlorine concentration of 0.19 mg/L, which exceeded the MDEL of 0.1 mg/L. Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim was immediately notified via voice message on February 6, 2025 at 4:35 p.m., and written notification was provided on February 10.
SJCE WRP was operating normally at the time of the exceedance and no changes to the treatment process occurred during this time. Additionally, the total residual chlorine meter did not record any detectable residual chlorine in final effluent on November 30. This suggests that the elevated residual chlorine measured in the November 30 grab sample was anomalous, transient, and likely not representative of final effluent discharged from the SJCE WRP on that day. Typically, Sanitation Districts staff collect additional final effluent grab samples for total residual chlorine analysis when a total residual chlorine result exceeds 0.1 mg/L in order to demonstrate a mean daily concentration less than 0.1 mg/L; inadvertently, the follow-up grab samples, which are not required under the NPDES permit, were not collected on November 30. The total residual chlorine concentration in a grab sample collected on December 1 was non-detect (<0.10 mg/L) and therefore met the MDEL. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1137638 |
09/30/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The chronic toxicity tests conducted in September have been invalidated. Initially, the tests resulted in an MMEL exceedance. However, in October 2024, the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) determined that all Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia) test organisms used by SJCWQL for chronic toxicity testing were compromised between July and September 2024 and thus invalidated all of the C. dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by SJCWQL during this period. Therefore, the MMEL exceedance in September has not been substantiated by valid testing and is considered not to have occurred. Numerical toxicity testing results values included in the CDF of this report are included for Regional Board's informational purposes, but are considered invalid. C. dubia compliance toxicity testing was immediately contracted to Enthalpy Analytical from October through December 2024 while SJCWQL determined necessary corrective actions. SJCWQL will implement comprehensive corrective actions to address the contamination issue and establish quality control measures before resuming in-house C. dubia chronic toxicity testing. Complete documentation of all C. dubia toxicity tests, reference toxicant tests, operational data, and industrial waste data will be provided in a final TRE report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135993 |
08/31/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The chronic toxicity tests conducted in August have been invalidated. Initially, the tests resulted in an MMEL exceedance. However, in October 2024, the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) determined that all Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia) test organisms used by SJCWQL for chronic toxicity testing were compromised between July and September 2024 and thus invalidated all of the C. dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by SJCWQL during this period. Therefore, the MMEL exceedance in August has not been substantiated by valid testing and is considered not to have occurred. Numerical toxicity testing results values included in the CDF of this report are included for Regional Board's informational purposes, but are considered invalid. C. dubia compliance toxicity testing was immediately contracted to Enthalpy Analytical from October through December 2024 while SJCWQL determined necessary corrective actions. SJCWQL will implement comprehensive corrective actions to address the contamination issue and establish quality control measures before resuming in-house C. dubia chronic toxicity testing. Complete documentation of all C. dubia toxicity tests, reference toxicant tests, operational data, and industrial waste data will be provided in a final TRE report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135994 |
08/31/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-003. |
The chronic toxicity tests conducted in August have been invalidated. Initially, the tests resulted in exceedances of the MDEL and MMEL and triggered the TRE process. However, in October 2024, the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) determined that all Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia) test organisms used by SJCWQL for chronic toxicity testing were compromised between July and September 2024 and thus invalidated all of the C. dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by SJCWQL during this period. Therefore, the MDEL and MMEL exceedances in August have not been substantiated by valid testing and are considered not to have occurred. Numerical toxicity testing results values included in the CDF of this report are included for Regional Board's informational purposes, but are considered invalid. C. dubia compliance toxicity testing was immediately contracted to Enthalpy Analytical from October through December 2024 while SJCWQL determined necessary corrective actions. SJCWQL will implement comprehensive corrective actions to address the contamination issue and establish quality control measures before resuming in-house C. dubia chronic toxicity testing. Complete documentation of all C. dubia toxicity tests, reference toxicant tests, operational data, and industrial waste data will be provided in a final TRE report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1130587 |
05/31/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001A. |
Per Section 4.1 of the WDR, the effluent exceeds the chronic toxicity monthly median effluent limit (MMEL) when the monthly median result fails the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST). The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at EFF-001 and EFF-001A was exceeded in May based on the toxicity test results from the SJCE and SJCW WRPs. The SJCE WRP did not have NPDES discharge in May during sample collection and the SCJW WRP did not have NPDES discharge in May, but the result with the greater toxicity from the SJCE or SJCW WRP is used to determine compliance at EFF-001 and EFF-001A for the MMEL and violations are applied to the outfall with the greatest flow. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified of the toxicity test results from the SJCE WRP by voicemail at 7:14 a.m. on May 22 followed by written notification on May 24 and of the toxicity test results from the SJCW WRP by voicemail at 9:09 a.m. on May 29 followed by written notification on May 31. Compliance at EFF-001 was determined based on two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity bioassays. The first effluent chronic toxicity test initiated on May 2 at SJCE WRP failed the TST with a survival effect of 20.0% in undiluted effluent. The second effluent chronic toxicity test initiated on May 14 at SJCE WRP failed the TST with a survival effect of 5.3% in undiluted effluent. Compliance at EFF-001A was determined based on two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity bioassays. The first effluent chronic toxicity test initiated on May 14 at SJCE WRP failed the TST with a survival effect of 5.3% in undiluted effluent. The second effluent chronic toxicity test initiated on May 21 at SJCW WRP failed the TST with a survival effect of 0.0% in undiluted effluent. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1130719 |
04/17/2024 |
Order Conditions |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, reclaimed water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be at all times an adequately disinfected, oxidized, coagulated, clarified, filtered wastewater or a wastewater treated by a sequence of unit processes that will assure an equivalent degree of treatment and reliability. An electrical equipment failure led to a partial tertiary filter bypass event at the San Jose Creek West WRP on April 17, 2024. |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, reclaimed water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be at all times an adequately disinfected, oxidized, coagulated, clarified, filtered wastewater or a wastewater treated by a sequence of unit processes that will assure an equivalent degree of treatment and reliability. An electrical equipment failure led to a partial tertiary filter bypass event at the San Jose Creek West WRP on April 17, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1128561 |
03/31/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001. |
Per Section 4.1 of the WDR, the effluent exceeds the chronic toxicity monthly median effluent limit (MMEL) when the monthly median result fails the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST). The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at EFF-001 was exceeded based on the toxicity sample result on March 26 from SJCE WRP. SJCE WRP did not have NPDES discharge in March during sample collection, but the result with the greater toxicity from the SJCE or SJCW WRP is used to determine compliance at EFF-001 for the MMEL. The SJCE WRP exceeded the chronic toxicity MMEL in March 2024. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified by voicemail at 9:41 a.m. on April 5, followed by written notification on April 9. Compliance was determined based on one Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity bioassay conducted in March 2024. The test was initiated on March 26 using 24-hour effluent composite samples collected on March 25, 27, and 29. A survival effect of 41.5% and a reproduction effect of 95.8% were observed in the undiluted effluent, which failed the TST. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1127585 |
02/05/2024 |
Order Conditions |
Turbidity levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass events that occurred at the San Jose Creek WRPs on February 4-5, 2024, due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, treated wastewater should not exceed an average operating turbidity of 2 turbidity units. The turbidity value was 9 NTU at the Outfall Pipeline in the 24-hour composite samples on February 5. |
Turbidity levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass events that occurred at the San Jose Creek WRPs on February 4-5, 2024, due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, treated wastewater should not exceed an average operating turbidity of 2 turbidity units. The turbidity value was 9 NTU at the Outfall Pipeline in the 24-hour composite samples on February 5. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1127584 |
02/05/2024 |
Order Conditions |
Turbidity levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass events that occurred at the San Jose Creek West WRP on February 4-5, 2024, due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, treated wastewater should not exceed an average operating turbidity of 2 turbidity units. The turbidity value was 10 NTU at the SJCW WRP in the 24-hour composite samples on February 5. |
Turbidity levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass events that occurred at the San Jose Creek West WRP on February 4-5, 2024, due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, treated wastewater should not exceed an average operating turbidity of 2 turbidity units. The turbidity value was 10 NTU at the SJCW WRP in the 24-hour composite samples on February 5. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1127586 |
02/04/2024 |
Order Conditions |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, reclaimed water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be at all times an adequately disinfected, oxidized, coagulated, clarified, filtered wastewater or a wastewater treated by a sequence of unit processed that will assure an equivalent degree of treatment and reliability. Exceptionally heavy rainfall led to partial tertiary filter bypass events at the San Jose Creek East WRP on February 4-5, 2024. |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, reclaimed water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be at all times an adequately disinfected, oxidized, coagulated, clarified, filtered wastewater or a wastewater treated by a sequence of unit processed that will assure an equivalent degree of treatment and reliability. Exceptionally heavy rainfall led to partial tertiary filter bypass events at the San Jose Creek East WRP on February 4-5, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1127587 |
02/04/2024 |
Order Conditions |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, reclaimed water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be at all times an adequately disinfected, oxidized, coagulated, clarified, filtered wastewater or a wastewater treated by a sequence of unit processed that will assure an equivalent degree of treatment and reliability. Exceptionally heavy rainfall led to partial tertiary filter bypass events at the San Jose Creek West WRP on February 4-5, 2024. |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, reclaimed water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be at all times an adequately disinfected, oxidized, coagulated, clarified, filtered wastewater or a wastewater treated by a sequence of unit processed that will assure an equivalent degree of treatment and reliability. Exceptionally heavy rainfall led to partial tertiary filter bypass events at the San Jose Creek West WRP on February 4-5, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1127581 |
02/04/2024 |
Order Conditions |
Turbidity and settleable solids levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass events that occurred at the San Jose Creek WRPs on February 4-5, 2024, due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. The turbidity value was 9 NTU at EFF-001 and 8.3 NTU at EFF-002 in the 24-hour composite samples on February 5. Turbidity values at EFF-002 exceeded 5 NTU for a total of 920 minutes and exceeded 10 NTU for a total of 885 minutes. Settleable solids exceeded the maximum daily effluent limitation at EFF-002 with a value of 0.4 mL/L. Laboratory staff found no adverse biological effects during field observations. Under 40 CFR § 122.41(m)(1), (3), and (4), the bypass events were not prohibited because they were unavoidable to prevent severe property damage, there were no feasible alternatives, and notice was submitted to the Regional Board in accordance with permit requirements. This event was a single operational upset that was caused by the exceptional rainfall, not by wastewater treatment operator error or negligence; exceedances would not have occurred if not for the upset of the secondary biological treatment process; the Sanitation Districts carried out all reasonable and immediately feasible actions to reduce noncompliance with the applicable effluent limitations; and the Sanitation Districts maintain an approved pretreatment program. |
Turbidity and settleable solids levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass events that occurred at the San Jose Creek WRPs on February 4-5, 2024, due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. The turbidity value was 9 NTU at EFF-001 and 8.3 NTU at EFF-002 in the 24-hour composite samples on February 5. Turbidity values at EFF-002 exceeded 5 NTU for a total of 920 minutes and exceeded 10 NTU for a total of 885 minutes. Settleable solids exceeded the maximum daily effluent limitation at EFF-002 with a value of 0.4 mL/L. Laboratory staff found no adverse biological effects during field observations. Under 40 CFR § 122.41(m)(1), (3), and (4), the bypass events were not prohibited because they were unavoidable to prevent severe property damage, there were no feasible alternatives, and notice was submitted to the Regional Board in accordance with permit requirements. This event was a single operational upset that was caused by the exceptional rainfall, not by wastewater treatment operator error or negligence; exceedances would not have occurred if not for the upset of the secondary biological treatment process; the Sanitation Districts carried out all reasonable and immediately feasible actions to reduce noncompliance with the applicable effluent limitations; and the Sanitation Districts maintain an approved pretreatment program. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120061 |
06/30/2023 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001. |
The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at SJCE WRP was exceeded in June 2023. Compliance was determined based on two toxicity bioassays conducted in June 2023. The first test was initiated on June 8 using 24-hour effluent composite samples collected on June 7, 8, and 12 which failed the TST. One additional test was initiated on June 20 using 24-hour effluent composite samples collected on June 20, 21, and 23 which failed the TST. A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6 by Enthalpy Analytical using a blend of the three samples used during the May 23 failing toxicity test. The no-manipulation test was acutely toxic and the toxicity was reduced/removed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory using a dilution of a toxic sample collected on June 7. SPE and EDTA addition reduced the toxicity. A third TIE was initiated on June 27 but was inconclusive. As specified in the SJCE WRP TRE Workplan, samples analyzed during a TRE have major ions quantified. These were evaluated using blends of the three samples used in each toxicity test. Ions were evaluated for toxicity samples for tests initiated on June 8 and June 20. In addition, three toxic samples had metals scans conducted. Each of these showed elevated levels of zinc, both in comparison to water quality standards and historical SJCE WRP data. With two lines of evidence suggesting that elevated zinc levels were associated with observed toxicity in SJCE WRP final effluent, Districts¿ staff were alerted of a possible source of toxicity. Staff identified thirteen permitted dischargers who could be discharging elevated levels of zinc or aluminum. Samples were collected and are pending analysis. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120060 |
06/30/2023 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at SJCE WRP was exceeded in June 2023. Compliance was determined based on one toxicity bioassay conducted in June 2023. The test was initiated on June 20 using 24-hour effluent composite samples collected on June 20, 21, and 23 which failed the TST. A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6 by Enthalpy Analytical using a blend of the three samples used during the May 23 failing toxicity test. The no-manipulation test was acutely toxic and the toxicity was reduced/removed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory using a dilution of a toxic sample collected on June 7. SPE and EDTA addition reduced the toxicity. A third TIE was initiated on June 27 but was inconclusive. As specified in the SJCE WRP TRE Workplan, samples analyzed during a TRE have major ions quantified. These were evaluated using blends of the three samples used in each toxicity test. Ions were evaluated for toxicity samples for tests initiated on June 8 and June 20. In addition, three toxic samples had metals scans conducted. Each of these showed elevated levels of zinc, both in comparison to water quality standards and historical SJCE WRP data. With two lines of evidence suggesting that elevated zinc levels were associated with observed toxicity in SJCE WRP final effluent, Districts' staff were alerted of a possible source of toxicity. Staff identified thirteen permitted dischargers who could be discharging elevated levels of zinc or aluminum. Samples were collected and are pending analysis. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120063 |
06/27/2023 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Daily Maximum limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001. |
The effluent chronic toxicity MDEL at SJCE WRP was exceeded on the toxicity test initiated on June 20 using 24-hour final effluent composite samples collected on June 20, 21, and 23. A survival effect of 65.0% and a reproduction effect of 97.5% were observed in the undiluted effluent, which failed the TST. The bioassay was terminated on June 26 and the results were verified on June 27. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified by telephone on June 28 at 6:42 a.m., followed by written notification on June 30. A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6 by Enthalpy Analytical using a blend of the three samples used during the May 23 failing toxicity test. The no-manipulation test was acutely toxic and the toxicity was reduced/removed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory using a dilution of a toxic sample collected on June 7. SPE and EDTA addition reduced the toxicity. A third TIE was initiated on June 27 but was inconclusive. As specified in the SJCE WRP TRE Workplan, samples analyzed during a TRE have major ions quantified. These were evaluated using blends of the three samples used in each toxicity test. Ions were evaluated for toxicity samples for tests initiated on June 8 and June 20. In addition, three toxic samples had metals scans conducted. Each of these showed elevated levels of zinc, both in comparison to water quality standards and historical SJCE WRP data. With two lines of evidence suggesting that elevated zinc levels were associated with observed toxicity in SJCE WRP final effluent, Districts' staff were alerted of a possible source of toxicity. Staff identified thirteen permitted dischargers who could be discharging elevated levels of zinc or aluminum. Samples were collected and are pending analysis. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120059 |
06/27/2023 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Daily Maximum limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The effluent chronic toxicity MDEL at SJCE WRP was exceeded on the toxicity test initiated on June 20 using 24-hour final effluent composite samples collected on June 20, 21, and 23. A survival effect of 65.0% and a reproduction effect of 97.5% were observed in the undiluted effluent, which failed the TST. The bioassay was terminated on June 26 and the results were verified on June 27. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified by telephone on June 28 at 6:42 a.m., followed by written notification on June 30. A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6 by Enthalpy Analytical using a blend of the three samples used during the May 23 failing toxicity test. The no-manipulation test was acutely toxic and the toxicity was reduced/removed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory using a dilution of a toxic sample collected on June 7. SPE and EDTA addition reduced the toxicity. A third TIE was initiated on June 27 but was inconclusive. As specified in the SJCE WRP TRE Workplan, samples analyzed during a TRE have major ions quantified. These were evaluated using blends of the three samples used in each toxicity test. Ions were evaluated for toxicity samples for tests initiated on June 8 and June 20. In addition, three toxic samples had metals scans conducted. Each of these showed elevated levels of zinc, both in comparison to water quality standards and historical SJCE WRP data. With two lines of evidence suggesting that elevated zinc levels were associated with observed toxicity in SJCE WRP final effluent, Districts' staff were alerted of a possible source of toxicity. Staff identified thirteen permitted dischargers who could be discharging elevated levels of zinc or aluminum. Samples were collected and are pending analysis. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120058 |
06/15/2023 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Daily Maximum limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001. |
The effluent chronic toxicity MDEL at SJCE WRP was exceeded on the toxicity test initiated on June 8 using 24-hour effluent composite samples collected on June 7, 8, and 12. A survival effect of 94.4% and a reproduction effect of 100% were observed in the undiluted effluent, which failed the TST. The bioassay was terminated on June 14 and the results were verified on June 15. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified by telephone via voicemail on June 16 at 6:42 a.m., followed by written notification on June 20. A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6 by Enthalpy Analytical using a blend of the three samples used during the May 23 failing toxicity test. The no-manipulation test was acutely toxic and the toxicity was reduced/removed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory using a dilution of a toxic sample collected on June 7. SPE and EDTA addition reduced the toxicity. A third TIE was initiated on June 27 but was inconclusive. As specified in the SJCE WRP TRE Workplan, samples analyzed during a TRE have major ions quantified. These were evaluated using blends of the three samples used in each toxicity test. Ions were evaluated for toxicity samples for tests initiated on June 8 and June 20. In addition, three toxic samples had metals scans conducted. Each of these showed elevated levels of zinc, both in comparison to water quality standards and historical SJCE WRP data. With two lines of evidence suggesting that elevated zinc levels were associated with observed toxicity in SJCE WRP final effluent, Districts' staff were alerted of a possible source of toxicity. Staff identified thirteen permitted dischargers who could be discharging elevated levels of zinc or aluminum. Samples were collected and are pending analysis. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1119197 |
05/23/2023 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001. |
Per Section 4.1 of the WDR, the effluent exceeds the chronic toxicity monthly median effluent limit (MMEL) when the monthly median result fails the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST). The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at EFF-001 was exceeded based on the toxicity sample result on May 23 from SJCE WRP. SJCE WRP did not have NPDES discharge in May, but the result with the greater toxicity from the SJCE or SJCW WRP is used to determine compliance at EFF-001 for the MMEL.
The SJCE WRP exceeded the chronic toxicity MMEL in May 2023. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified by telephone at 10:55 a.m. on May 31, followed by written notification on June 2. Compliance was determined based on two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity bioassays conducted in May 2023. The first test was initiated on May 11 using 24-hour effluent composite samples collected on May 10, 12, and 15. A survival effect of -5.3% and a reproduction effect of 25.4% was observed in the undiluted effluent, which failed the TST. One additional test was initiated on May 23 using 24-hour final effluent composite samples collected on May 22, 24 and 26. A survival effect of 15% and a reproduction effect of 84% was observed in the undiluted effluent, which failed the TST. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1114571 |
12/19/2022 |
DMON |
Per Section 8.1 of the MRP, a receiving water sample shall be analyzed semiannually for acrolein from RSW-006 (R-12) when effluent is discharged through Discharge Point 001A. NPDES discharge from Discharge Point 001A occurred from August 4 to 15 during the semiannual period from July to December. A sample collected on August 8 from receiving water station RSW-006 (R-12) for acrolein was invalid because the sample was not analyzed within the appropriate laboratory holding time. To prevent reoccurrence, Laboratory staff have reviewed the analysis procedure and were reminded of the appropriate holding time. Make-up sample collection was attempted on December 19, but the location was dry at the time of sampling. Therefore, there is no result for acrolein for the July to December semiannual period. |
Per Section 8.1 of the MRP, a receiving water sample shall be analyzed semiannually for acrolein from RSW-006 (R-12) when effluent is discharged through Discharge Point 001A. NPDES discharge from Discharge Point 001A occurred from August 4 to 15 during the semiannual period from July to December. A sample collected on August 8 from receiving water station RSW-006 (R-12) for acrolein was invalid because the sample was not analyzed within the appropriate laboratory holding time. To prevent reoccurrence, Laboratory staff have reviewed the analysis procedure and were reminded of the appropriate holding time. Make-up sample collection was attempted on December 19, but the location was dry at the time of sampling. Therefore, there is no result for acrolein for the July to December semiannual period. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1109288 |
07/29/2022 |
CAT2 |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Monthly Average limit is 80 ug/L and reported value was 91.5 ug/L at EFF-002. |
Per Section 4.1.2 of the WDR, the total trihalomethane (TTHM) concentration in the final effluent shall not exceed the average monthly effluent limitation (AMEL) of 80 ug/L at EFF-002. In July, five San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent samples were collected with measured concentrations of 108 ug/L, 88.2 ug/L, 63.1 ug/L, 77.3 ug/L and 121 ug/L. The resulting July average TTHM value of 91.5 ug/L exceeded the AMEL. Notification to the Regional Board was provided after receiving the preliminary result for the final July sample on August 1, with a voice message to Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim on August 2 at 8:31 a.m., followed by written notification on August 4.
Per Section 7.3 of the WDR, the Sanitation Districts initiated accelerated weekly TTHM monitoring of the San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent beginning on August 3. The Sanitation Districts also launched an investigation into potential causes and mitigation measures for the high TTHM levels. Details of the actions taken are in the attached July monitoring report. The San Jose Creek East WRP TTHM investigation is ongoing and an update will be provided in the next monthly monitoring report. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104107 |
02/28/2022 |
CAT2 |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 80 ug/L and reported value was 81.4 ug/L at EFF-002. |
Per Section 4.1.2 of the WDR, the total trihalomethane (TTHM) concentration shall not exceed the average monthly effluent limitation (AMEL) of 80 ug/L. This value was exceeded in the San Jose Creek East WRP effluent for the month of February 2022. Notification to the Regional Board was provided after confirming the violation, as a voice message to Ms. Jeong-Hee Lim on April 7, 2022, at 10:05 a.m., and was followed by written notification on the same day. The exceedance was based on a single final effluent sample collected on February 2 with a TTHM concentration of 81.4 ug/L. The exceedance was inadvertently not flagged when the analytical result was initially confirmed by the laboratory and therefore the additional sampling as allowed per Section 7.3 of the WDR was not performed. The San Jose Creek East WRP has since maintained compliance with the TTHM AMEL, as confirmed by samples obtained on March 2 and 9 yielding results of 59.0 and 63.5 ug/L respectively. As corrective action, the laboratory information system was updated to flag such events and color code them as a visual aid. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1101582 |
02/20/2022 |
LREP |
Once Only OneTime ( TECHRPT ) (Pollutant Minimization Program) report for 2021/12/01 (2536833) was due on 19-FEB-22 |
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Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1104105 |
02/10/2022 |
DMON |
Per Sections 4.1 of the MRP, only when there is flow at EFF-001, EFF-001A, or EFF-001B, combined effluent samples shall be analyzed during peak flows Monday through Friday except holidays for chlorine residual. Samples for San Jose Creek WRP combined effluent were not collected at EFF-001A and 001B on February 10 due to an oversite in daily scheduling. As a corrective action, assigned laboratory daily tasks are now to be peer reviewed to ensure all sampling events are accounted for. |
Per Sections 4.1 of the MRP, only when there is flow at EFF-001, EFF-001A, or EFF-001B, combined effluent samples shall be analyzed during peak flows Monday through Friday except holidays for chlorine residual. Samples for San Jose Creek WRP combined effluent were not collected at EFF-001A and 001B on February 10 due to an oversite in daily scheduling. As a corrective action, assigned laboratory daily tasks are now to be peer reviewed to ensure all sampling events are accounted for. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104106 |
02/10/2022 |
DMON |
Per Sections 4.1 of the MRP, only when there is flow at EFF-001, EFF-001A, or EFF-001B, combined effluent samples shall be analyzed during peak flows Monday through Friday except holidays for chlorine residual. Samples for San Jose Creek WRP combined effluent were not collected at EFF-001A and 001B on February 10 due to an oversite in daily scheduling. As a corrective action, assigned laboratory daily tasks are now to be peer reviewed to ensure all sampling events are accounted for. |
Per Sections 4.1 of the MRP, only when there is flow at EFF-001, EFF-001A, or EFF-001B, combined effluent samples shall be analyzed during peak flows Monday through Friday except holidays for chlorine residual. Samples for San Jose Creek WRP combined effluent were not collected at EFF-001A and 001B on February 10 due to an oversite in daily scheduling. As a corrective action, assigned laboratory daily tasks are now to be peer reviewed to ensure all sampling events are accounted for. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1102114 |
12/31/2021 |
DMON |
Sampling and Data Issues - Effluent
Per Section 4.1 of the MRP, combined effluent samples shall be analyzed monthly for TCDD equivalents. Combined effluent water quality is determined from separate analyses of San Jose Creek East and West effluents. Sections 4.2 and 4.3 of the MRP require San Jose Creek East effluent TCDD equivalents to be monitored semiannually and monthly, respectively. San Jose Creek West effluent samples were not collected for this constituent during the month of December due to a laboratory error in scheduling the sample collection. This scheduling error was associated with the new monitoring and reporting requirements of Order R4-2021-0131, which became effective in December 2021. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly.
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Sampling and Data Issues - Effluent
Per Section 4.1 of the MRP, combined effluent samples shall be analyzed monthly for TCDD equivalents. Combined effluent water quality is determined from separate analyses of San Jose Creek East and West effluents. Sections 4.2 and 4.3 of the MRP require San Jose Creek East effluent TCDD equivalents to be monitored semiannually and monthly, respectively. San Jose Creek West effluent samples were not collected for this constituent during the month of December due to a laboratory error in scheduling the sample collection. This scheduling error was associated with the new monitoring and reporting requirements of Order R4-2021-0131, which became effective in December 2021. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly.
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Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1100619 |
11/25/2021 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Instantaneous Maximum limit is 23 CFU/100 mL and reported value was 61 CFU/100 mL at EFF1WRR-E. |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, recycled water used for irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyards, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be adequately disinfected at all times such that the number of total coliform bacteria does not exceed 23 CFU/100 mL in any sample. However, Title 22 requires recycled water used for these purposes to be disinfected tertiary recycled water such that the number of total coliform bacteria does not exceed 23 CFU/100mL in more than one sample within any 30-day period. The total coliform result of 61 CFU/100mL on November 25 exceeded the 23 CFU/100mL limit in the WRR, but the total coliform density did not exceed 23 CFU/100mL in any other sample during the 30 days before and after November 25, meeting the requirements in Title 22. The Sanitation Districts Reuse and Compliance Section notified the Regional Board upon knowledge of the incident, on February 15 at approximately 2:30 p.m. Since the recycled water produced on November 25 met applicable Title 22 disinfection requirements and because prior to any potential user contact there was sufficient distribution system detention time to achieve compliance with all WRR limitations, it is unlikely that any adverse conditions that could be detrimental to public health or the environment resulted from the use of this recycled water. To prevent a recurrence of this issue, San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff will continue to closely monitor the chlorine dosage and all other parameters relevant to disinfection system performance. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1100618 |
11/14/2021 |
Order Conditions |
An unauthorized recycled water discharge of approximately 40,500 gallons occurred on November 14 from roughly 11:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. on November 15 at the Sanitation Districts' Puente Hills Landfill located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. The Sanitation Districts notified the Regional Board at 9:58 a.m. on November 16, and the LACDPH, via voicemail, immediately thereafter. Sanitation Districts staff discovered the discharge before normal business hours, at 5:30 a.m. on November 15. A damaged solenoid valve remained open, allowing 15 impact sprinklers to operate past their designated irrigation time for approximately 7.5 hours. An estimated 28,500 gallons infiltrated the ground prior to reaching a debris retention basin where an additional 2,000 gallons were collected and diverted to a sewer. The remaining 10,000 gallons travelled 1.13 miles to the San Jose Creek waterway. On November 15, at 1:50 p.m. the Sanitation Districts' Biological Sciences Group found normal dry-weather flow in the concrete channel, and no indications that wildlife had been adversely impacted. No major biological impacts are expected from this incident; chlorine demand exerted by substances along the discharge route is expected to have reduced any chlorine residual from the recycled water. To minimize reoccurrence of similar events, the Sanitation Districts will install automated meter reading systems with notification capabilities and will modify preventative maintenance schedules. |
To minimize reoccurrence of similar unauthorized recycled water discharge events, the Sanitation Districts will install automated meter reading systems with notification capabilities and will modify preventative maintenance schedules. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1093121 |
05/31/2021 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The monthly median effluent limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded in the San Jose Creek WRP final effluent for the month of May 2021. Regional Board staff was immediately notified by telephone at 2:44 PM on May 27, 2021, followed by written notification on June 1, 2021. Compliance was based on two valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity bioassays conducted in May using 24-hour composite effluent samples. The first toxicity test was initiated on May 4 using samples collected on May 3, 5, and 6. This test failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with 43.5% reproduction effect in the undiluted effluent. The second test was initiated on May 18 using samples collected on May 17, 20, and 21. This test also failed the TST for the reproduction endpoint with 38.2% effect observed in the undiluted effluent. As a result, the MMEL was exceeded. A San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing following an MMEL exceedance in May 2019 and a subsequent TST failure during accelerated testing. In addition to following the Detailed TRE Workplan that was revised in January 2020, the Sanitation Districts are engaged with the Whole Effluent Toxicity experts at Exponent Engineering & Scientific Consulting, as well as Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, and will incorporate their recommendations in the TRE efforts. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1089986 |
02/07/2021 |
Order Conditions |
An unauthorized recycled water discharge of approximately 237,105 gallons occurred from roughly 7:21 p.m. to 9:01 p.m. on February 7, 2021 at the Sanitation Districts' Puente Hills Landfill, located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. The Sanitation Districts notified the Regional Board at 7:58 a.m. on February 9, 2021 and the LACDPH, via email, at 8:06 a.m. on the same day. Sanitation Districts staff discovered the discharge during normal business hours at 8:12 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021. The failure of a high-level sensor and relay switch during a temporary network communications outage allowed a recycled water storage tank to overfill for approximately 100 minutes; 179,520 gallons of this discharge were recovered and pumped to a sewer from a concrete-lined debris basin. On February 8, 2021 at 9:29 a.m., the Sanitation District Biology Group found no flow in the channel, no evidence of discharge flow at the San Gabriel River discharge point, and no indications that fish or wildlife had been adversely impacted. No major impacts are anticipated from this incident; chlorine demand exerted by substances along the discharge route is expected to have reduced any chlorine residual from the recycled water. To minimize reoccurrence of similar events, the Sanitation Districts will modify and increase the frequency of related preventative maintenance work orders. |
An unauthorized recycled water discharge of approximately 237,105 gallons occurred from roughly 7:21 p.m. to 9:01 p.m. on February 7, 2021 at the Sanitation Districts' Puente Hills Landfill, located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. The Sanitation Districts notified the Regional Board at 7:58 a.m. on February 9, 2021 and the LACDPH, via email, at 8:06 a.m. on the same day. Sanitation Districts staff discovered the discharge during normal business hours at 8:12 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021. The failure of a high-level sensor and relay switch during a temporary network communications outage allowed a recycled water storage tank to overfill for approximately 100 minutes; 179,520 gallons of this discharge were recovered and pumped to a sewer from a concrete-lined debris basin. On February 8, 2021 at 9:29 a.m., the Sanitation District Biology Group found no flow in the channel, no evidence of discharge flow at the San Gabriel River discharge point, and no indications that fish or wildlife had been adversely impacted. No major impacts are anticipated from this incident; chlorine demand exerted by substances along the discharge route is expected to have reduced any chlorine residual from the recycled water. To minimize reoccurrence of similar events, the Sanitation Districts will modify and increase the frequency of related preventative maintenance work orders. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1087635 |
12/31/2020 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The monthly median effluent limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded in the San Jose Creek WRP final effluent for the month of December 2020. Regional Board staff was immediately notified by telephone at 4:46 PM on December 22, 2020, followed by written notification on December 23, 2020. Compliance was based on two valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity bioassays conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory in December using 24-hour composite effluent samples. The first toxicity test was initiated on December 3 using samples collected on December 3, 4, and 7. This test failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with 50% reproduction effect in the undiluted effluent. The second test was initiated on December 15 using samples collected on December 14, 16, and 18. This test also failed the TST for the reproduction endpoint with 28.4% effect observed in the undiluted effluent. As a result, the MMEL was exceeded. A San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing following an MMEL exceedance in May 2019 and a subsequent TST failure during accelerated testing. In addition to following the Detailed TRE Workplan that was revised in January 2020, the Sanitation Districts are engaged with the Whole Effluent Toxicity experts at Exponent Engineering & Scientific Consulting, as well as Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, and will incorporate their recommendations in the TRE efforts. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1085849 |
12/09/2020 |
Order Conditions |
An unauthorized recycled water discharge of approximately 80,000 gallons occurred from 9:00 p.m. on December 9, 2020, to 8:00 a.m. on December 10, 2020 at Ancillary Provider Services (end user) located at 16666 Johnson Drive in the City of Industry. The Sanitation Districts notified the Regional Board on January 5, 2021 at 1:46 p.m. and LACDPH, via email, on the same day at 1:56 a.m. Rowland Water District discovered and reported the discharge to the Sanitation Districts on January 5, 2021, at 1:04 p.m. after reviewing December 2020 data. The source of the discharge was a broken irrigation line at the end user's site that has since been repaired on January 7, 2021 and placed back in service. Discharged recycled water entered a nearby storm drain and traveled approximately 0.5 miles before flowing into the concrete lined portion of the San Jose Creek. No major impacts are anticipated from this incident as the concrete-lined channel supports a very limited biological community, and any chlorine residual from the recycled water is expected to have been reduced due to contact with substances exerting chlorine demand along the discharge route or otherwise dissipated in the storm drain and the concrete lined portion of the San Jose Creek. The Sanitation Districts' Biology Group inspected the San Jose Creek at the discharge location into San Jose Creek and determined no biologic impacts or bleaching were observed at either location. To mitigate unauthorized discharge events, AMI meters at end user sites are in the process of being reprogrammed. Additionally, Rowland Water District will continue to remind end users of notification and reporting responsibilities to improve timeliness. |
An unauthorized recycled water discharge of approximately 80,000 gallons occurred from 9:00 p.m. on December 9, 2020, to 8:00 a.m. on December 10, 2020 at Ancillary Provider Services (end user) located at 16666 Johnson Drive in the City of Industry. The Sanitation Districts notified the Regional Board on January 5, 2021 at 1:46 p.m. and LACDPH, via email, on the same day at 1:56 a.m. Rowland Water District discovered and reported the discharge to the Sanitation Districts on January 5, 2021, at 1:04 p.m. after reviewing December 2020 data. The source of the discharge was a broken irrigation line at the end user's site that has since been repaired on January 7, 2021 and placed back in service. Discharged recycled water entered a nearby storm drain and traveled approximately 0.5 miles before flowing into the concrete lined portion of the San Jose Creek. No major impacts are anticipated from this incident as the concrete-lined channel supports a very limited biological community, and any chlorine residual from the recycled water is expected to have been reduced due to contact with substances exerting chlorine demand along the discharge route or otherwise dissipated in the storm drain and the concrete lined portion of the San Jose Creek. The Sanitation Districts' Biology Group inspected the San Jose Creek at the discharge location into San Jose Creek and determined no biologic impacts or bleaching were observed at either location. To mitigate unauthorized discharge events, AMI meters at end user sites are in the process of being reprogrammed. Additionally, Rowland Water District will continue to remind end users of notification and reporting responsibilities to improve timeliness. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1087634 |
12/03/2020 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Maximum Daily (MDEL) limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The maximum daily effluent limit (MDEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded in the San Jose Creek WRP final effluent on December 3, 2020. Regional Board staff was immediately notified by telephone at 4:02 PM on December 14, 2020, followed by written notification on December 17, 2020. Compliance was based on a valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity bioassay conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory in December using a 24-hour composite effluent sample. The toxicity test was initiated on December 3 using samples collected on December 3, 4, and 7. This test failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with 50% reproduction effect in the undiluted effluent. As a result, the MDEL was exceeded. A San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing following an MMEL exceedance in May 2019 and a subsequent TST failure during accelerated testing. In addition to following the Detailed TRE Workplan that was revised in January 2020, the Sanitation Districts are engaged with the Whole Effluent Toxicity experts at Exponent Engineering & Scientific Consulting, as well as Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, and will incorporate their recommendations in the TRE efforts. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1085811 |
11/30/2020 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The monthly median effluent limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded in the San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent for the month of November 2020. Regional Board staff was immediately notified by telephone at 12:12 PM on November 24, 2020, followed by written notification on November 25, 2020. Compliance was based on two valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity bioassays conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory in November using 24-hour composite effluent samples. The first toxicity test was initiated on November 3 using samples collected on November 2, 3, and 5. This test failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with 24.9% reproduction effect in the undiluted effluent. The second test was initiated on November 17 using samples collected on November 16, 18, and 21. This test also failed the TST for the reproduction endpoint with 24.9% effect observed in the undiluted effluent. As a result, the MMEL was exceeded. A San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing following an MMEL exceedance in May 2019 and a subsequent TST failure during accelerated testing. In addition to following the Detailed TRE Workplan that was revised in January 2020, the Sanitation Districts are engaged with the Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing experts at Exponent Engineering & Scientific Consulting, as well as Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, and will incorporate their recommendations into the TRE efforts. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1084063 |
10/31/2020 |
CAT2 |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Monthly Average limit is 80 ug/L and reported value was 81 ug/L at EFF-002. |
Per Section IV.B of the WDR, the total trihalomethane (TTHM) concentration shall not exceed the average monthly effluent limitation (AMEL) of 80 ug/L. This value was exceeded in the San Jose Creek East WRP effluent for the month of October 2020. Notification to the Regional Board was provided after confirming the violation, as a voice message to Ms. Jeong-Hee Lim on January 13, 2021, at 9:22 a.m., and was followed by written notification on January 14, 2021.
The exceedance was based on two final effluent samples: the first was collected on October 9 with a TTHM concentration of 99.9 ug/L, and the second was collected October 16 with a TTHM concentration of 62.0 ug/L. It should be noted that only the first sample exceeded the AMEL, and the San Jose Creek East WRP was not discharging effluent at the time that sample was collected; the facility beneficially reused all recycled water produced from September 1 to October 14. Nonetheless, a second sample was collected under Section VII.C of the WDR, which specifies that up to four additional samples may be obtained in a calendar month if the initial result exceeds the AMEL. Additional sampling was inadvertently stopped after the second sample, resulting in a monthly average of 81 ug/L. The San Jose Creek East WRP has since maintained compliance with the TTHM AMEL, as confirmed by samples obtained on November 3 and December 2 yielding results of 77.8 and 55.2 ug/L respectively. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1084062 |
10/06/2020 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The Median Monthly Effluent Limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded in the San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent for the month of October 2020. Immediate notification was provided as a voice message to Ms. Jeong-Hee Lim on October 23, 2020 at 11:42 AM, followed by written notification on October 27, 2020. The exceedance was determined using the results of two Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory. A San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing following an MMEL exceedance in May 2019 and a subsequent TST failure during accelerated testing. In addition to following the Detailed TRE Workplan that was revised in January 2020, the Sanitation Districts are engaged with the Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing experts at Exponent Engineering & Scientific Consulting, as well as Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, to evaluate the steps taken thus far and develop plans to direct future TRE efforts. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1081448 |
08/03/2020 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-002. |
The San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent exceeded the August 2020 chronic toxicity MMEL based on two valid tests. Immediate notification of this exceedance was provided via voicemail to Jeong-Hee Lim on August 26, 2020 at 2:13 PM and reaffirmed via letter on August 27, 2020. A final effluent toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing following an MMEL exceedance in May 2019 and a subsequent Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) failure in the first accelerated test. Baseline toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) tests were conducted for samples collected August 4 and 17; both were identified as toxic using the TST, and TIE manipulations were performed. Chemical scans for metals, pesticides, semi-volatiles, and anions were also conducted on the remaining sample volume from the second test. In addition, the Sanitation Districts have been working with contract laboratories to ensure quality of their toxicity data, and are seeking additional review and input on the TRE by Regional Board and external Whole Effluent Toxicity experts. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
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Report displays most recent five years of violations. Refer to the Interactive Violation Report for more data.
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Total Violations: 37
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Priority Violations: 0
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*Click the "(+/-) Violation Description" link to expand and contract the violation description.
*As of 5/20/2010, the Water Board's Enforcement Policy requires that all violations be classified as 1, 2 or 3, with class 1 being the highest. Prior to this, violations were simply classified as Yes or No. If a 123 classification has been assigned to a violation that occurred before this date, that classification data will be displayed instead of the Yes/No data.
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CAT2 = Category 2 Pollutant (Effluent Violation for Group 2 Pollutant)
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CTOX = Chronic Toxicity
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DMON = Deficient Monitoring
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LREP = Late Report
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Order Conditions = Order Conditions
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OEV = Other Effluent Violation
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Surface Water = Surface Water
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