Violations
|
| Violation ID |
Occurred Date |
Violation Type |
(-) Violation Description |
Corrective Action |
Status |
Classification |
Source |
| 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 final 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, 2023 by Enthalpy Analytical (EA) 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), EDTA addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) using a 75% 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 due to unhealthy organisms.
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 (or sample blends) 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. An update on the TRE will be provided in the next monthly compliance report. |
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 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 final 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, 2023 by Enthalpy Analytical (EA) 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), EDTA addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) using a 75% 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 due to unhealthy organisms.
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 (or sample blends) 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. An update on the TRE will be provided in the next monthly compliance report. |
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 of the SJCE WRP MDEL and MMEL exceedances.
A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6, 2023 by Enthalpy Analytical (EA) 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), EDTA addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL). 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 (or sample blends) 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. An update on the TRE will be provided in the next monthly compliance report. |
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 of the SJCE WRP MDEL and MMEL exceedances.
A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6, 2023 by Enthalpy Analytical (EA) 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), EDTA addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL). 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 (or sample blends) 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. An update on the TRE will be provided in the next monthly compliance report. |
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% was 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. and followed by written notification on June 20 of the SJCE WRP MDEL exceedance.
A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6, 2023 by Enthalpy Analytical (EA) 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), EDTA addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL). 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 (or sample blends) 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. An update on the TRE will be provided in the next monthly compliance report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120062 |
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-002. |
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% was 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. and followed by written notification on June 20 of the SJCE WRP MDEL exceedance.
A Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was initiated on June 6, 2023 by Enthalpy Analytical (EA) 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), EDTA addition, and pH reduction. An acute (96-hour survival) TIE was initiated on June 13 at the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL). 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 (or sample blends) 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. An update on the TRE will be provided in the next monthly compliance report. |
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 |
|
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.
|
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.
|
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 |
| 1079432 |
06/11/2020 |
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 Maximum Monthly Effluent Limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded at the San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent for the month of June 2020. Immediate notification was provided as a voice message to Jeong-Hee Lim on June 29, 2020 at 3:48 PM, followed by written notification on June 30, 2020.
This exceedance was determined using the results of two valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) for the San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent is ongoing, following an MMEL exceedance at the San Jose Creek East WRP in May 2019 and a subsequent TST failure in the first accelerated test. TRE activity in June included three Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) screening baselines, two of which were identified as toxic, and one TIE. Despite the use of three broad spectrum columns for treatment in the TIE, no manipulations substantially reduced toxicity. In addition to compliance testing and TIE screening baselines, near-term investigations will focus on the reproducibility of the TIE results in order to inform future directions in testing. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1076899 |
04/01/2020 |
DMON |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples for organic nitrogen shall be analyzed monthly. Samples were collected but not analyzed for organic nitrogen this month at San Jose Creek receiving water stations RSW-001 (C-1), RSW-002 (C-2), and RSW-004 (R-11). Due to an analytical instrument issue, the sample was re-routed multiple times and organic nitrogen was inadvertently omitted from the analyte list during the transition. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, staff have updated their procedures to ensure correct scheduling practices are followed for all required analytes. |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples for organic nitrogen shall be analyzed monthly. Samples were collected but not analyzed for organic nitrogen this month at San Jose Creek receiving water stations RSW-001 (C-1), RSW-002 (C-2), and RSW-004 (R-11). Due to an analytical instrument issue, the sample was re-routed multiple times and organic nitrogen was inadvertently omitted from the analyte list during the transition. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, staff have updated their procedures to ensure correct scheduling practices are followed for all required analytes. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1076900 |
04/01/2020 |
DMON |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples for organic nitrogen shall be analyzed monthly. Samples were collected but not analyzed for organic nitrogen this month at San Jose Creek receiving water stations RSW-001 (C-1), RSW-002 (C-2), and RSW-004 (R-11). Due to an analytical instrument issue, the sample was re-routed multiple times and organic nitrogen was inadvertently omitted from the analyte list during the transition. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, staff have updated their procedures to ensure correct scheduling practices are followed for all required analytes. |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples for organic nitrogen shall be analyzed monthly. Samples were collected but not analyzed for organic nitrogen this month at San Jose Creek receiving water stations RSW-001 (C-1), RSW-002 (C-2), and RSW-004 (R-11). Due to an analytical instrument issue, the sample was re-routed multiple times and organic nitrogen was inadvertently omitted from the analyte list during the transition. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, staff have updated their procedures to ensure correct scheduling practices are followed for all required analytes. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1076901 |
04/01/2020 |
DMON |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples for organic nitrogen shall be analyzed monthly. Samples were collected but not analyzed for organic nitrogen this month at San Jose Creek receiving water stations RSW-001 (C-1), RSW-002 (C-2), and RSW-004 (R-11). Due to an analytical instrument issue, the sample was re-routed multiple times and organic nitrogen was inadvertently omitted from the analyte list during the transition. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, staff have updated their procedures to ensure correct scheduling practices are followed for all required analytes. |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples for organic nitrogen shall be analyzed monthly. Samples were collected but not analyzed for organic nitrogen this month at San Jose Creek receiving water stations RSW-001 (C-1), RSW-002 (C-2), and RSW-004 (R-11). Due to an analytical instrument issue, the sample was re-routed multiple times and organic nitrogen was inadvertently omitted from the analyte list during the transition. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, staff have updated their procedures to ensure correct scheduling practices are followed for all required analytes. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1075682 |
03/25/2020 |
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 Maximum Monthly Effluent Limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded at the San Jose Creek East Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) final effluent for the month of March 2020. The Regional Board was immediate notified of this exceedance via voice message to Ms. Jeong-Hee Lim on March 25, 2020 at 10:54 a.m., and an email to Mr. Russ Colby on March 25, 2020. Written notification was provided on March 26, 2020. This exceedance was calculated using the results of two valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL). The first toxicity test was initiated on March 3, 2020 using 24-hour composite samples collected on March 2, 4, and 6, 2020 and failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with a 26.3% reproduction effect in undiluted effluent. The second toxicity test was initiated on March 17, 2020 using 24-hour composite SJCE WRP samples collected on March 16, 18, and 20, 2020. This test failed the TST with a 23.6% reproduction effect in undiluted effluent. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing at the San Jose Creek East WRP; please see the attached report for details of tests conducted this month. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1071673 |
12/31/2019 |
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-001B. |
The chronic toxicity median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) was exceeded at EFF-001B for the month of December. Immediate notification was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim via voicemail on January 03, 2020, and written notification was provided on January 07, 2020. Three routine toxicity tests were conducted in December. All tests were conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East (SJCE) WRP: samples for the three tests were collected December 2, 4, and 5; December 17, 18, and 19; and December 26, 27, and 30. The first and third tests failed the TST (23.8% effect and 58.1% effect, respectively) resulting in an MMEL exceedance for December 2019. It should be noted that the first sample used in the third test was collected during an operational upset at the San Jose Creek East WRP and was not representative of typical operating conditions at this facility. Compliance at San Jose Creek WRP EFF-001B was determined based on Regional Board guidance: daily results and the monthly median were determined independently for the San Jose Creek East and West WRP tests, and the worse result from the two plants was applied to the 001 discharge point with the highest flow for the month. Based on this approach, the chronic toxicity MMEL was exceeded at EFF-001B. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing at the San Jose Creek East WRP; please see the attached report for details of tests conducted this month. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1071672 |
12/31/2019 |
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 median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) was exceeded at EFF-002 for the month of December. Immediate notification was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim via voicemail on January 03, 2020, and written notification was provided on January 07, 2020. Three routine toxicity tests were conducted in December. All tests were conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East WRP: samples for the three tests were collected December 2, 4, and 5; December 17, 18, and 19; and December 26, 27, and 30. The first and third tests failed the TST (23.8% effect and 58.1% effect, respectively) resulting in an MMEL exceedance at EFF-002 for December 2019. It should be noted that the first sample used in the third test was collected during an operational upset at the San Jose Creek East WRP and was not representative of typical operating conditions at this facility. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing at the San Jose Creek East WRP; please see the attached report for details of tests conducted this month. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1071671 |
12/26/2019 |
Order Conditions |
Turbidity levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass event that occurred at the San Jose Creek East WRP on December 26, 2019 due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Turbidity values exceeded 10 NTU at EFF-001B for 116 minutes and at EFF-001 for 49 minutes. Laboratory staff found no adverse biological effects during field observations. Under 40 CFR § 122.41(m)(1), (3), and (4), the bypass event was not prohibited because it was unavoidable to prevent severe property damage, there was no feasible alternative, 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 levels were elevated as a result of the partial tertiary filter bypass event that occurred at the San Jose Creek East WRP on December 26, 2019 due to an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Turbidity values exceeded 10 NTU at EFF-001B for 116 minutes and at EFF-001 for 49 minutes. Laboratory staff found no adverse biological effects during field observations. Under 40 CFR § 122.41(m)(1), (3), and (4), the bypass event was not prohibited because it was unavoidable to prevent severe property damage, there was no feasible alternative, 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 |
| 1071670 |
12/26/2019 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Daily Maximum limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001B. |
The chronic toxicity maximum daily effluent limit (MDEL) was exceeded at EFF-001B for the test initiated on December 27, 2019. Immediate notification was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim via voicemail on January 03, 2020 at 12:17 p.m., and written notification was provided on January 07, 2020. The test was conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East WRP that were collected December 26, 27, and 30, and failed the TST with a 58.1% effect in undiluted effluent, thereby exceeding the MDEL. It should be noted that the first sample used in this test was collected during an operational upset at the San Jose Creek East WRP and was not representative of typical operating conditions at this facility. Compliance at EFF-001B was determined based on Regional Board guidance: daily results and the monthly median were determined independently for the San Jose Creek East and West WRP tests, and the worse result from the two plants was applied to the 001 discharge point with the highest flow for the month. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing at the San Jose Creek East WRP; please see the attached report for details of tests conducted this month. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1071674 |
12/26/2019 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Daily Maximum 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 maximum daily effluent limit (MDEL) was exceeded at EFF-002 for the test initiated on December 27, 2019. Immediate notification was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim via voicemail on January 03, 2020 at 12:17 p.m., and written notification was provided on January 07, 2020. The test was conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East WRP that were collected December 26, 27, and 30, and failed the TST with a 58.1% effect in undiluted effluent from the San Jose Creek East WRP, thereby exceeding the MDEL. It should be noted that the first sample used in this test was collected during an operational upset at the San Jose Creek East WRP and was not representative of typical operating conditions at this facility. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is ongoing at the San Jose Creek East WRP; please see the attached report for details of tests conducted this month. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1070855 |
12/22/2019 |
DMON |
The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent sample collected on December 22 was invalidated due to improper incubation of the sample. The San Jose Creek East WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentrations for that day are expected to be within normal ranges and in compliance with requirements. In addition, a sample collected on December 22 from the San Jose Creek East WRP chlorine contact tank was measured to be non-detect for total coliform. |
The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent sample collected on December 22 was invalidated due to improper incubation of the sample. The San Jose Creek East WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentrations for that day are expected to be within normal ranges and in compliance with requirements. In addition, a sample collected on December 22 from the San Jose Creek East WRP chlorine contact tank was measured to be non-detect for total coliform. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1070659 |
11/06/2019 |
Surface Water |
Per Section V.A.16 of the WDR, the discharge shall not result in visible floating particulates, foams, or oil and grease in the receiving water. On November 6 at 11:13 a.m., Sanitation Districts sampling personnel observed foam coming from the San Jose Creek WRP Discharge Point 002 and traveling to RSW-002 (C-2). This incident was reported via voicemail to Jeong-Hee Lim on November 8, 2019 at 7:50 a.m. and written notification was provided on November 12, 2019. Upon discovering the foam at RSW-002 (C-2), the sampling crew immediately resolved the issue by contacting the San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff, who responded by increasing the defoamant dose at approximately 11:30 a.m. The sampling crew returned to receiving water station RSW- 002 (C-2) at 1:57 p.m. on the same date and observed that 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 of conducting visual inspections of the outfalls and increasing the defoamant dose if foam is observed. |
Per Section V.A.16 of the WDR, the discharge shall not result in visible floating particulates, foams, or oil and grease in the receiving water. On November 6 at 11:13 a.m., Sanitation Districts sampling personnel observed foam coming from the San Jose Creek WRP Discharge Point 002 and traveling to RSW-002 (C-2). This incident was reported via voicemail to Jeong-Hee Lim on November 8, 2019 at 7:50 a.m. and written notification was provided on November 12, 2019. Upon discovering the foam at RSW-002 (C-2), the sampling crew immediately resolved the issue by contacting the San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff, who responded by increasing the defoamant dose at approximately 11:30 a.m. The sampling crew returned to receiving water station RSW- 002 (C-2) at 1:57 p.m. on the same date and observed that 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 of conducting visual inspections of the outfalls and increasing the defoamant dose if foam is observed. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1069330 |
10/31/2019 |
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-001. |
The chronic toxicity median monthly effluent limitation (MMEL) was exceeded at EFF-001 for the month of October. Immediate notification of this exceedance was provided via phone to Jeong-Hee Lim on October 31, 2019 at 6:32 a.m. and written notification was provided on November 4, 2019. Three routine toxicity tests were conducted in October. All tests were conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East (SJCE) WRP: samples for the three tests were collected October 7, 10, and 11; October 21, 23, and 25; and October 28, 30, and November 1. The first two tests failed the TST (31.8% effect and 27.8% effect, respectively), resulting in an MMEL exceedance at EFF-002 for October 2019. The second test passed Test Acceptability Criteria (TAC) but the holding time on the October 25 sample was exceeded; based on past Regional Board guidance to invalidate only tests that fail TAC, the results are included as qualified but valid. Compliance at San Jose Creek WRP EFF-001 was determined based on Regional Board guidance: daily results and the monthly median were determined independently for the San Jose Creek East and West WRP tests, and the worse result from the two plants was applied to the 001 discharge point with the highest flow for the month. Based on this approach, the chronic toxicity MMEL was exceeded at EFF-001. A toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) baseline toxicity test was initiated on October 1 and the sample was found to be toxic with a 29.7% reproduction effect in undiluted effluent. However, in a Phase I Tier I TIE conducted on the same sample by EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., the unmanipulated sample was non-toxic, with a 7.8% reproduction effect in undiluted effluent. A TIE baseline test was also initiated on October 30, 2019 with a single sample collected October 29; the sample was found to be non-toxic, with a 15.6% effect in unmanipulated effluent. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1069329 |
10/31/2019 |
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 median monthly effluent limitation (MMEL) was exceeded at EFF-002 for the month of October. Immediate notification of this exceedance was provided via phone to Jeong-Hee Lim on October 31, 2019 at 6:32 a.m. and written notification was provided on November 4, 2019. Three routine toxicity tests were conducted in October. All tests were conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East (SJCE) WRP: samples for the three tests were collected October 7, 10, and 11; October 21, 23, and 25; and October 28, 30, and November 1. The first two tests failed the TST (31.8% effect and 27.8% effect, respectively), resulting in an MMEL exceedance at EFF-002 for October 2019. The second test passed Test Acceptability Criteria (TAC) but the holding time on the October 25 sample was exceeded; based on past Regional Board guidance to invalidate only tests that fail TAC, the results are included as qualified but valid. A toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) baseline toxicity test was initiated on October 1 and the sample was found to be toxic with a 29.7% reproduction effect in undiluted effluent. However, in a Phase I Tier I TIE conducted on the same sample by EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., the unmanipulated sample was non-toxic, with a 7.8% reproduction effect in undiluted effluent. A TIE baseline test was also initiated on October 30, 2019 with a single sample collected October 29; the sample was found to be non-toxic, with a 15.6% effect in unmanipulated effluent. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1069327 |
10/29/2019 |
DMON |
On October 29, a receiving water sample was collected at RSW-006 (R-12) for BOD5; however, due to analyst error at the contract laboratory, the sample was not analyzed properly. A make-up sample was collected on November 4. The result will be included in the November report. |
On October 29, a receiving water sample was collected at RSW-006 (R-12) for BOD5; however, due to analyst error at the contract laboratory, the sample was not analyzed properly. A make-up sample was collected on November 4. The result will be included in the November report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1069328 |
10/29/2019 |
Surface Water |
On October 29 at 10:39 a.m., Sanitation Districts sampling personnel observed foam coming from the San Jose Creek WRP Discharge Point 001A and traveling to RSW-006 (R-12). This incident was reported via voicemail to Jeong-Hee Lim on October 30, 2019 at 9:47 a.m. and written notification was provided on November 4, 2019. Upon discovering the foam at RSW-006 (R-12), the sampling crew immediately resolved the issue by contacting the San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff, who responded by increasing the defoamant dose at approximately 11:00 a.m. The sampling crew returned to receiving water station RSW- 006 (R-12) at 1:30 p.m. on the same date and observed that 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 of conducting visual inspections of the outfalls and increasing the defoamant dose if foam is observed. |
On October 29 at 10:39 a.m., Sanitation Districts sampling personnel observed foam coming from the San Jose Creek WRP Discharge Point 001A and traveling to RSW-006 (R-12). This incident was reported via voicemail to Jeong-Hee Lim on October 30, 2019 at 9:47 a.m. and written notification was provided on November 4, 2019. Upon discovering the foam at RSW-006 (R-12), the sampling crew immediately resolved the issue by contacting the San Jose Creek WRP Operations staff, who responded by increasing the defoamant dose at approximately 11:00 a.m. The sampling crew returned to receiving water station RSW- 006 (R-12) at 1:30 p.m. on the same date and observed that 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 of conducting visual inspections of the outfalls and increasing the defoamant dose if foam is observed. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1067946 |
09/30/2019 |
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-001B. |
The chronic toxicity median monthly effluent limitation (MMEL) was exceeded at EFF-001B for the month of September. Immediate notification of this exceedance was provided via phone to Jeong-Hee Lim on October 2, 2019 at 1:05 PM and written notification was provided on October 7, 2019. Three routine toxicity tests were conducted in September. All tests were conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East (SJCE) WRP: samples for the three tests were collected September 4, 6, and 9; September 17, 20, and 23; and September 24, 25, and 26. The first and third tests failed the TST (25.8% effect and 32.0% effect, respectively) at the San Jose Creek East WRP, resulting in an MMEL exceedance at EFF-001B for September 2019. Compliance at San Jose Creek WRP EFF-001B was determined based on Regional Board guidance: daily results and the monthly median were determined independently for the San Jose Creek East and West WRP tests, and the worse result from the two plants was applied to the 001 discharge point with the highest flow for the month. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is in progress at the San Jose Creek WRP, based on an accelerated toxicity test that failed the TST in June 2019. As part of the TRE, single-sample Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) baseline toxicity tests were initiated on September 3 and 17, 2019 and exhibited 22.4% and 22.3% reproduction effects, respectively. Additional analyses of toxic samples are pending and will be based on recommendations from EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1067947 |
09/30/2019 |
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 chronic toxicity median monthly effluent limitation (MMEL) was exceeded at EFF-002 for the month of September. Immediate notification of this exceedance was provided via phone to Jeong-Hee Lim on October 2, 2019 at 1:05 PM and written notification was provided on October 7, 2019. Three routine toxicity tests were conducted in September. All tests were conducted using three 24-hour composite samples from the San Jose Creek East (SJCE) WRP: samples for the three tests were collected September 4, 6, and 9; September 17, 20, and 23; and September 24, 25, and 26. The first and third tests failed the TST (25.8% effect and 32.0% effect, respectively), resulting in an MMEL exceedance at EFF-002 for September 2019. A toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) is in progress at the San Jose Creek WRP, based on an accelerated toxicity test that failed the TST in June 2019. As part of the TRE, single-sample Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) baseline toxicity tests were initiated on September 3 and 17, 2019 and exhibited 22.4% and 22.3% reproduction effects, respectively. Additional analyses of toxic samples are pending and will be based on recommendations from EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1066724 |
08/11/2019 |
DMON |
An unauthorized discharge of San Jose Creek WRP disinfected tertiary-treated recycled water occurred sometime between 6:18 a.m. and 6:38 a.m. on August 11, 2019 at the Puente Hills Landfill, located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. Verbal notification of this event was provided to the Regional Board and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on August 12, 2019 at 1:29 p.m. and 1:32 p.m., respectively. At 3:18 p.m. on August 11, a security guard notified Sanitation Districts' staff of recycled water leaking from an on-site irrigation line. Sanitation Districts' staff arrived at 4:05 p.m. and immediately closed a valve to the leaky irrigation line. On August 12, 2019, Sanitation Districts' staff repaired the leak. It is estimated 5,850 gallons of recycled water was discharged. An estimated 1,000 gallons of recycled water was contained on-site, 400 gallons infiltrated into the ground or evaporated, and approximately 4,450 gallons traveled off-site via the storm drain. Other than the potential presence of residual chlorine, the recycled water produced at the San Jose Creek WRP is suitable for discharge to the San Gabriel River. Residual chlorine would have decayed before discharge to the receiving water due to the travel distance and contact with substances exerting chlorine demand. The Sanitation Districts' Biological Sciences Group inspected the location, where the recycled water would have reached San Gabriel River, at 9:20 a.m. on August 12, 2019. Staff reported there was no evidence of recent flow at the San Gabriel River discharge point, and there were no indications that fish or wildlife had been adversely impacted. This type of event is not anticipated to regularly occur at the landfill, and failure of the irrigation system cannot be predicted or easily controlled. The Sanitation Districts will continue to actively monitor and maintain the condition of the landscape irrigation system to avoid a reoccurrence. |
An unauthorized discharge of San Jose Creek WRP disinfected tertiary-treated recycled water occurred sometime between 6:18 a.m. and 6:38 a.m. on August 11, 2019 at the Puente Hills Landfill, located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. Verbal notification of this event was provided to the Regional Board and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on August 12, 2019 at 1:29 p.m. and 1:32 p.m., respectively. At 3:18 p.m. on August 11, a security guard notified Sanitation Districts' staff of recycled water leaking from an on-site irrigation line. Sanitation Districts' staff arrived at 4:05 p.m. and immediately closed a valve to the leaky irrigation line. On August 12, 2019, Sanitation Districts' staff repaired the leak. It is estimated 5,850 gallons of recycled water was discharged. An estimated 1,000 gallons of recycled water was contained on-site, 400 gallons infiltrated into the ground or evaporated, and approximately 4,450 gallons traveled off-site via the storm drain. Other than the potential presence of residual chlorine, the recycled water produced at the San Jose Creek WRP is suitable for discharge to the San Gabriel River. Residual chlorine would have decayed before discharge to the receiving water due to the travel distance and contact with substances exerting chlorine demand. The Sanitation Districts' Biological Sciences Group inspected the location, where the recycled water would have reached San Gabriel River, at 9:20 a.m. on August 12, 2019. Staff reported there was no evidence of recent flow at the San Gabriel River discharge point, and there were no indications that fish or wildlife had been adversely impacted. This type of event is not anticipated to regularly occur at the landfill, and failure of the irrigation system cannot be predicted or easily controlled. The Sanitation Districts will continue to actively monitor and maintain the condition of the landscape irrigation system to avoid a reoccurrence. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1065327 |
07/31/2019 |
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-001A. |
The median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded at EFF-001A in July 2019. To determine compliance at EFF-001A, Regional Board staff provided guidance indicating that for each set of San Jose Creek East and West WRP toxicity tests, the worse result from the two plants should be used. Tests from the San Jose Creek East WRP initiated on July 3 and 16 failed the TST, resulting in a MMEL exceedance at EFF-001A. The Sanitation Districts notified Jeong-Hee Lim of the Regional Board via voicemail on July 23, 2019, and submitted written notification on July 26, 2019.
A Toxicity Reduction Evaluation (TRE) was triggered at the San Jose Creek East WRP on June 7 and is ongoing. A toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was initiated on July 24 using a composite of the three 24-hour composite samples used in the July 3 chronic toxicity test. No manipulations appeared to reduce the toxicity. However, there were challenges interpreting the results due to method blank interference, and subsequent TIE efforts have been complicated by issues with laboratory culture health at both of the Sanitation Districts' usual contract laboratories (Pacific EcoRisk and Enthalpy Analytical). Once laboratory cultures improve, TIE testing will be conducted again on the remaining composite sample from the July 3 test, and on the composite of the three samples used in the July 16 chronic toxicity test. Three additional toxicity samples, collected on July 22, 24, and 27, are scheduled to be screened for persistent toxicity in August. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1065325 |
07/31/2019 |
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 at EFF-002 in July 2019. Two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity tests were conducted at the San Jose Creek East WRP in July 2019. The tests initiated with effluent from the San Jose Creek East WRP on July 3 and 16 failed the test of significant toxicity (TST), resulting in a MMEL exceedance for EFF-002. The Sanitation Districts notified Jeong-Hee Lim of the Regional Board via voicemail on July 23, 2019, and submitted written notification on July 26, 2019.
A Toxicity Reduction Evaluation (TRE) was triggered at the San Jose Creek East WRP on June 7 and is ongoing. A toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was initiated on July 24 using a composite of the three 24-hour composite samples used in the July 3 chronic toxicity test. No manipulations appeared to reduce the toxicity. However, there were challenges interpreting the results due to method blank interference, and subsequent TIE efforts have been complicated by issues with laboratory culture health at both of the Sanitation Districts' usual contract laboratories (Pacific EcoRisk and Enthalpy Analytical). Once laboratory cultures improve, TIE testing will be conducted again on the remaining composite sample from the July 3 test, and on the composite of the three samples used in the July 16 chronic toxicity test. Three additional toxicity samples, collected on July 22, 24, and 27, are scheduled to be screened for persistent toxicity in August. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1065326 |
07/13/2019 |
DMON |
On July 13, effluent samples at the San Jose Creek East and West WRPs were collected for total coliform, but were invalid due to the inadvertent use of expired media in the analysis. A make-up sample could not be collected because the problem was identified after the monitoring period (i.e., the day) had ended. The laboratory has improved coordination of media deliveries between laboratory sites and re-iterated laboratory protocols, particularly with new staff, and is exploring additional procedures to prevent a re-occurrence of this issue. |
On July 13, effluent samples at the San Jose Creek East and West WRPs were collected for total coliform, but were invalid due to the inadvertent use of expired media in the analysis. A make-up sample could not be collected because the problem was identified after the monitoring period (i.e., the day) had ended. The laboratory has improved coordination of media deliveries between laboratory sites and re-iterated laboratory protocols, particularly with new staff, and is exploring additional procedures to prevent a re-occurrence of this issue. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1065328 |
07/13/2019 |
DMON |
On July 13, effluent samples at the San Jose Creek East and West WRPs were collected for total coliform, but were invalid due to the inadvertent use of expired media in the analysis. A make-up sample could not be collected because the problem was identified after the monitoring period (i.e., the day) had ended. The laboratory has improved coordination of media deliveries between laboratory sites and re-iterated laboratory protocols, particularly with new staff, and is exploring additional procedures to prevent a re-occurrence of this issue. |
On July 13, effluent samples at the San Jose Creek East and West WRPs were collected for total coliform, but were invalid due to the inadvertent use of expired media in the analysis. A make-up sample could not be collected because the problem was identified after the monitoring period (i.e., the day) had ended. The laboratory has improved coordination of media deliveries between laboratory sites and re-iterated laboratory protocols, particularly with new staff, and is exploring additional procedures to prevent a re-occurrence of this issue. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1066720 |
07/13/2019 |
DMON |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent sample collected on July 13 was invalidated due to the analysis conducted using expired media. The WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentration for that day is expected to be within normal range and in compliance with requirement. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent sample collected on July 13 was invalidated due to the analysis conducted using expired media. The WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentration for that day is expected to be within normal range and in compliance with requirement. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1066725 |
07/13/2019 |
DMON |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent sample collected on July 13 was invalidated due to the analysis conducted using expired media. The WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentration for that day is expected to be within normal range and in compliance with requirement. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek East WRP final effluent sample collected on July 13 was invalidated due to the analysis conducted using expired media. The WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentration for that day is expected to be within normal range and in compliance with requirement. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1066722 |
07/13/2019 |
DMON |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring results for San Jose Creek East and West WRPs final effluent samples collected on July 13 representing flow to the outfall pipeline were invalidated due to the analyses conducted using expired media. The WRPs were within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentrations for that day are expected to be within normal ranges and in compliance with requirements. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring results for San Jose Creek East and West WRPs final effluent samples collected on July 13 representing flow to the outfall pipeline were invalidated due to the analyses conducted using expired media. The WRPs were within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentrations for that day are expected to be within normal ranges and in compliance with requirements. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1066721 |
07/13/2019 |
Deficient Reporting |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek West WRP final effluent sample collected on July 13 was invalidated due to the analysis conducted using expired media. The WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentration for that day is expected to be within normal range and in compliance with requirement. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Per the MRP, total coliform shall be monitored daily. The daily total coliform monitoring result for San Jose Creek West WRP final effluent sample collected on July 13 was invalidated due to the analysis conducted using expired media. The WRP was within normal operating conditions, and turbidity and disinfection met tertiary recycled water standards; therefore, total coliform concentration for that day is expected to be within normal range and in compliance with requirement. Steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1066723 |
07/04/2019 |
DMON |
An unauthorized discharge of San Jose Creek WRP disinfected tertiary-treated recycled water occurred sometime between 11:30 a.m. on July 4, 2019 and approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 5, 2019 at the Puente Hills Landfill, located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. Verbal notification of this event was provided to the Regional Board at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 5, 2019. On the morning of July 5 at approximately 6:00 a.m., site personnel discovered that a faulty solenoid o-ring on a valve had failed, triggering 18 sprinklers to continuously irrigate the slopes. Site personnel immediately closed the valve to stop the release of recycled water and set up containment, recovering approximately 20,000 gallons using a pump truck. Based on staff observations of the recycled water, approximately 200 gallons continued offsite through a large-diameter corrugated storm drain pipe along the northern property line, underneath the Pomona Freeway, and into a concrete-lined drainage channel near a mobile home park; the flow ran dry approximately 100 ft downstream of the end of the drain pipe. As a verification measure, staff from the Sanitation Districts' Biological Sciences Group surveyed the concrete-lined drainage channel at 10:50 a.m. on July 5 and determined that the recycled water spill did not enter San Jose Creek. In addition, there were no indications that fish or wildlife had been adversely impacted and therefore, there were no observed biological impacts from the discharge. Interactive flow meters will be installed on the irrigation system at the site to detect flows that occur when the irrigation system is not intended to be active. Detection of any such flows will prompt a notification to staff. The Sanitation Districts will continue to actively monitor and maintain the condition of the landscape irrigation system to avoid a reoccurrence. |
An unauthorized discharge of San Jose Creek WRP disinfected tertiary-treated recycled water occurred sometime between 11:30 a.m. on July 4, 2019 and approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 5, 2019 at the Puente Hills Landfill, located at 13130 Crossroads Parkway South in the City of Industry. Verbal notification of this event was provided to the Regional Board at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 5, 2019. On the morning of July 5 at approximately 6:00 a.m., site personnel discovered that a faulty solenoid o-ring on a valve had failed, triggering 18 sprinklers to continuously irrigate the slopes. Site personnel immediately closed the valve to stop the release of recycled water and set up containment, recovering approximately 20,000 gallons using a pump truck. Based on staff observations of the recycled water, approximately 200 gallons continued offsite through a large-diameter corrugated storm drain pipe along the northern property line, underneath the Pomona Freeway, and into a concrete-lined drainage channel near a mobile home park; the flow ran dry approximately 100 ft downstream of the end of the drain pipe. As a verification measure, staff from the Sanitation Districts' Biological Sciences Group surveyed the concrete-lined drainage channel at 10:50 a.m. on July 5 and determined that the recycled water spill did not enter San Jose Creek. In addition, there were no indications that fish or wildlife had been adversely impacted and therefore, there were no observed biological impacts from the discharge. Interactive flow meters will be installed on the irrigation system at the site to detect flows that occur when the irrigation system is not intended to be active. Detection of any such flows will prompt a notification to staff. The Sanitation Districts will continue to actively monitor and maintain the condition of the landscape irrigation system to avoid a reoccurrence. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1063849 |
06/30/2019 |
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-001A. |
The median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded at EFF-001A in June 2019. To determine compliance at EFF-001A, Regional Board staff provided guidance indicating that toxicity should be evaluated independently at the San Jose Creek East and West WRPs, and the worse result from the two plants should be applied to the 001 outfall with the greatest flow. Tests from the San Jose Creek East WRP initiated on June 7 and 13 failed the TST with 17.7% and 34.5% effect respectively, resulting in a MMEL exceedance at EFF-001A. Immediate notification of the exceedance was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim of the Regional Board's Municipal Permitting Unit on June 21, 2019, and written notification was provided on June 24, 2019. The first June toxicity test was an accelerated test; therefore, the TST failure triggered a Toxicity Reduction Evaluation (TRE). Samples from both tests have been sent to a contract laboratory for a Phase 1 Toxicity Identification Evaluation, and Steps 1 and 2 (review of Operations and Industrial Waste data and review of historical and current toxicity data) of the TRE are currently underway. Results will be summarized as available in future compliance reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1062093 |
05/31/2019 |
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-001B. |
The median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) for chronic toxicity was exceeded at EFF-001B in May 2019. To determine compliance at EFF-001B, Regional Board staff provided guidance indicating that for each set of San Jose Creek East and West WRP toxicity tests, the worse result from the two plants should be used. Tests from the San Jose Creek East WRP initiated on May 7 and 28 failed the TST, resulting in a MMEL exceedance at EFF-001B. Immediate notification of the exceedance was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim of the Regional Board's Municipal Permitting Unit on June 5, 2019, and written notification was provided on June 6, 2019. Accelerated testing for San Jose Creek East WRP began June 7, 2019. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1062092 |
05/31/2019 |
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 at EFF-002 in May 2019. This was determined using the results of three valid Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity tests initiated on May 7, 21, and 28, 2019; the tests initiated on May 7 and 28 failed the test of significant toxicity (TST). Immediate verbal notification of the exceedance was provided to Jeong-Hee Lim of the Regional Board's Municipal Permitting Unit on June 5, 2019, and written notification was provided on June 6, 2019. Accelerated testing for San Jose Creek East WRP began June 7, 2019. |
Violation |
B |
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: 56
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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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Deficient Reporting = Deficient Reporting
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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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