Violations
|
| Violation ID |
Occurred Date |
Violation Type |
(-) Violation Description |
Corrective Action |
Status |
Classification |
Source |
| 1137637 |
09/30/2024 |
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 chronic toxicity tests conducted in September have been invalidated. Initially, the tests resulted in an MMEL exceedance. However, in October 2024, the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) determined that all Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia) test organisms used by SJCWQL for chronic toxicity testing were compromised between July and September 2024 and thus invalidated all of the C. dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by SJCWQL during this period. Therefore, the MMEL exceedance in September has not been substantiated by valid testing and is considered not to have occurred. Numerical toxicity testing results values included in the CDF of this report are included for Regional Board's informational purposes, but are considered invalid. C. dubia compliance toxicity testing was immediately contracted to Enthalpy Analytical from October through December 2024 while SJCWQL determined necessary corrective actions. SJCWQL will implement comprehensive corrective actions to address the contamination issue and establish quality control measures before resuming in-house C. dubia chronic toxicity testing. Complete documentation of all C. dubia toxicity tests, reference toxicant tests, operational data, and industrial waste data will be provided in a final TRE report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135651 |
09/29/2024 |
Order Conditions |
An unauthorized discharge of recycled water occurred on September 29 at 9:40 a.m. in the City of Long Beach near the intersection of East Colorado St. and Orlena Ave. The leak occurred during construction of the City of Long Beach Public Works Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project and was discovered by the project contractor, Reyes Construction. The source of the leak was a four (4) inch irrigation line serving Marina Vista Park. The isolation valve feeding the 4-inch line was closed at 11:30 a.m., successfully stopping the leak. On September 30 at 4:56 p.m., Long Beach Utilities confirmed that the irrigation line was recycled water.
The volume of recycled water discharged was estimated to be 28,000 gallons. The discharge was contained within the construction site and discharged to Colorado Lagoon, which ultimately leads to the Pacific Ocean, through the on-site filtration system per the dewatering permit for the project. Per CWC Section 13529.2, recycled water spills reaching waters of the state of 50,000 gallons or more for water treated beyond Disinfected Secondary 2.2 standards are required to be reported to the Regional Board. Because the discharge did not exceed this threshold, immediate notification to the Regional Board was not required.
On Monday September 30, the 4-inch recycled water line was further excavated, and it was discovered that the pipe had dislodged from the isolation valve at the gasket joint. The age of pipe materials and fittings are thought to be a factor in the cause of the leak. To prevent future leaks, the gasket joint and pipe were replaced on October 2 using glue-on PVC pipe and fittings.
The discharge from this event consisted of fully tertiary treated recycled water, and any residual chlorine was expected to have dissipated during distribution, along the discharge route, or during dewatering. No impacts to public health or the environment are believed to have resulted from this incident.
|
An unauthorized discharge of recycled water occurred on September 29 at 9:40 a.m. in the City of Long Beach near the intersection of East Colorado St. and Orlena Ave. The leak occurred during construction of the City of Long Beach Public Works Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project and was discovered by the project contractor, Reyes Construction. The source of the leak was a four (4) inch irrigation line serving Marina Vista Park. The isolation valve feeding the 4-inch line was closed at 11:30 a.m., successfully stopping the leak. On September 30 at 4:56 p.m., Long Beach Utilities confirmed that the irrigation line was recycled water.
The volume of recycled water discharged was estimated to be 28,000 gallons. The discharge was contained within the construction site and discharged to Colorado Lagoon, which ultimately leads to the Pacific Ocean, through the on-site filtration system per the dewatering permit for the project. Per CWC Section 13529.2, recycled water spills reaching waters of the state of 50,000 gallons or more for water treated beyond Disinfected Secondary 2.2 standards are required to be reported to the Regional Board. Because the discharge did not exceed this threshold, immediate notification to the Regional Board was not required.
On Monday September 30, the 4-inch recycled water line was further excavated, and it was discovered that the pipe had dislodged from the isolation valve at the gasket joint. The age of pipe materials and fittings are thought to be a factor in the cause of the leak. To prevent future leaks, the gasket joint and pipe were replaced on October 2 using glue-on PVC pipe and fittings.
The discharge from this event consisted of fully tertiary treated recycled water, and any residual chlorine was expected to have dissipated during distribution, along the discharge route, or during dewatering. No impacts to public health or the environment are believed to have resulted from this incident.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135989 |
08/20/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001A. |
The chronic toxicity tests conducted in August have been invalidated. Initially, the tests resulted in exceedances of the MDEL and MMEL and triggered the TRE process. However, in October 2024, the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL) determined that all Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia) test organisms used by SJCWQL for chronic toxicity testing were compromised between July and September 2024 and thus invalidated all of the C. dubia chronic toxicity tests conducted by SJCWQL during this period. Therefore, the MDEL and MMEL exceedances in August have not been substantiated by valid testing and are considered not to have occurred. Numerical toxicity testing results values included in the CDF of this report are included for Regional Board's informational purposes, but are considered invalid. C. dubia compliance toxicity testing was immediately contracted to Enthalpy Analytical from October through December 2024 while SJCWQL determined necessary corrective actions. SJCWQL will implement comprehensive corrective actions to address the contamination issue and establish quality control measures before resuming in-house C. dubia chronic toxicity testing. Complete documentation of all C. dubia toxicity tests, reference toxicant tests, operational data, and industrial waste data will be provided in a final TRE report. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1134442 |
07/31/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001A. |
Per Section 4.1 of the WDR, the effluent exceeds the chronic median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) when the monthly median result fails the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST). The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at Long Beach WRP was exceeded in July 2024. Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim was immediately notified by via voice message at 8:08 a.m. on July 23, followed by written notification on July 25.
The July 2024 final effluent MMEL exceedance was calculated using the results of two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity tests conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory. The first toxicity test was initiated on July 2 using 24-hour composite samples of Long Beach WRP final effluent collected July 1, 3, and 5. This test failed the TST with a 44.8 percent reproduction effect and 5.3 percent survival effect in undiluted effluent. The second toxicity test was initiated on July 16 using 24-hour composite samples of Long Beach WRP final effluent collected on July 15, 17, and 19. This test also failed the TST with a 45.2 percent reproduction effect and 26.3 percent survival effect in undiluted effluent.
Remaining samples were analyzed for metals and pesticides. No chemicals were elevated or identified as potentially concerning during the month of July. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1130444 |
05/31/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at EFF-001A. |
Per Section 4.1 of the WDR, the effluent exceeds the chronic median monthly effluent limit (MMEL) when the monthly median result fails the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST). The effluent chronic toxicity MMEL at Long Beach WRP was exceeded in May 2024. Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim was immediately notified by telephone at 9:09 a.m. on May 29, followed by written notification on May 31.
The May 2024 final effluent MMEL exceedance was calculated using the results of two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity tests conducted by the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory (SJCWQL). The first toxicity test was initiated on May 9, using 24-hour composite samples of Long Beach WRP final effluent collected May 8, 10, and 13, and resulted in a failed TST with a 22.5 percent reproduction effect and 5.6 percent survival effect in undiluted final effluent. The second toxicity test was initiated on May 21, using 24-hour composite samples of Long Beach WRP final effluent collected on May 20, 22, and 25, and resulted in a failed TST with a 43.0 percent reproduction effect and 10.5 percent survival effect in undiluted final effluent. Note that the follow-up written notification to Regional Board staff on May 31 included preliminary information indicating no discharge to Coyote Creek from May 13 to May 26. However, there was discharge confirmed on May 24.
Remaining samples were analyzed for metals and pesticides. No chemicals were elevated or identified as potentially concerning during the month of May. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1130724 |
05/28/2024 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Single Sample Maximum limit is 23 CFU/100 mL and reported value was 65 CFU/100 mL at EFF001 WRR. |
Per Section B.2 of the WRRs, recycled water used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, and other areas where the public has similar access or exposure shall be adequately disinfected. Recycled water is considered adequately disinfected when the number of coliform organisms in the recycled water does not exceed a seven-day median of 2.2 CFU/100mL and the number of coliform organisms does not exceed 23 CFU/100mL in any sample. On May 28, the single sample total coliform result was 65 CFU/100mL. This exceeded the single sample limit; however, the corresponding seven-day result was below 2.2 CFU/100mL. Verbal notification was provided within 24 hours of having knowledge of this exceedance via telephone to Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim on July 12 at 9:30 a.m. and written notification on July 18. Recycled water from the LBWRP is supplied to one purveyor, Long Beach Utilities (LBU). An estimated 4.83 MG of recycled water was stored or directly utilized in the LBU recycled water distribution system. Of this 4.83 MG, it is estimated that approximately 1.46 MG may have been used for the irrigation of parks, playgrounds, schoolyard, or other areas where the public has similar access or exposure. The remaining 3.37 MG is expected to have been delivered to the recycled water storage tanks. Per LBU staff, the demand for recycled water for irrigation is highest between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m., in accordance with LBU and the Sanitation Districts use requirements. Therefore, the Sanitation Districts do not believe there were any impacts to public health as a result of this high total coliform value, as there was likely minimal public access or exposure during the times of use. Additionally, it is expected that most of the remaining impacted recycled water was likely sent to storage where it would have been diluted with the recycled water in storage. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1130445 |
05/02/2024 |
Surface Water |
Per Section 5.1.3 of the WDR, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the receiving water shall not be depressed below 5 mg/L as a result of the wastes discharged. On May 2 at 9:04 a.m., DO was 0.2 mg/L in a grab sample collected at receiving water station RSW-002. A 24-hour notification of the exceedance was provided via telephone to Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim on May 3 at 3:10 p.m. and a 5-day letter was submitted on May 8. This incident was investigated further, and additional details were provided in a 30-day letter submitted on June 7. 
The Sanitation Districts implemented the following corrective actions:
1.Manual Mode: The SBS system will not be placed into manual mode unless staff is present onsite to monitor and respond to changing effluent flow conditions.
Beginning May 8, the WRP was temporarily staffed continuously until the Secondary System SBS Dosing Pumps were fully operational on June 3
2.Installation of SBS Dosing Pumps at Secondary SBS Station: At the time of the incident, WRP staff was in the process of installing two peristaltic pumps to the Secondary (Emergency) SBS station (located adjacent to the forebay) and new SBS pipelines to transfer SBS from the existing 10,000-gallon storage tank to the Secondary SBS station and eliminate the need for carrier water. The transfer pump is used to fill the secondary tank as needed from the Primary Sodium Bisulfite Station. This dosing method has recently been employed at other WRPs and successfully eliminated the kind of plugging experienced at the WRP. As a result of the incident, staff accelerated construction and completed installation and programming required for the new peristaltic pumps and transfer line on June 3, and is using the new dosing system.
3.Eliminate Flow between Forebay Weir and Wall: The flow between the forebay weir and concrete walls was eliminated by plugging/caulking along the edges. The edges of the metal weir in the forebay were sealed on May 16. |
Per Section 5.1.3 of the WDR, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the receiving water shall not be depressed below 5 mg/L as a result of the wastes discharged. On May 2 at 9:04 a.m., DO was 0.2 mg/L in a grab sample collected at receiving water station RSW-002. A 24-hour notification of the exceedance was provided via telephone to Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim on May 3 at 3:10 p.m. and a 5-day letter was submitted on May 8. This incident was investigated further, and additional details were provided in a 30-day letter submitted on June 7. 
The Sanitation Districts implemented the following corrective actions:
1.Manual Mode: The SBS system will not be placed into manual mode unless staff is present onsite to monitor and respond to changing effluent flow conditions.
Beginning May 8, the WRP was temporarily staffed continuously until the Secondary System SBS Dosing Pumps were fully operational on June 3
2.Installation of SBS Dosing Pumps at Secondary SBS Station: At the time of the incident, WRP staff was in the process of installing two peristaltic pumps to the Secondary (Emergency) SBS station (located adjacent to the forebay) and new SBS pipelines to transfer SBS from the existing 10,000-gallon storage tank to the Secondary SBS station and eliminate the need for carrier water. The transfer pump is used to fill the secondary tank as needed from the Primary Sodium Bisulfite Station. This dosing method has recently been employed at other WRPs and successfully eliminated the kind of plugging experienced at the WRP. As a result of the incident, staff accelerated construction and completed installation and programming required for the new peristaltic pumps and transfer line on June 3, and is using the new dosing system.
3.Eliminate Flow between Forebay Weir and Wall: The flow between the forebay weir and concrete walls was eliminated by plugging/caulking along the edges. The edges of the metal weir in the forebay were sealed on May 16. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1129461 |
04/30/2024 |
CTOX |
Chronic Toxicity-C.dubia-Reproduction Monthly Median limit is 0 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) and reported value was 1 Pass/Fail (Pass = 0, Fail = 1) at RSW-002. |
Per Section 5.1.21 of the WDR, ¿There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters as a result of wastes discharged.¿ Per Section 8.1.d of the MRP, the median monthly summary result shall be used to determine compliance. The median monthly summary result for toxicity was exceeded at receiving water monitoring station RSW-002 (R-A) in April 2024. Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim was immediately notified by telephone on May 3 at 3:10 p.m., and written notification was provided on May 8.
The April 2024 receiving water station RSW-002 (R-A) median monthly summary result was calculated using the results of two Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity tests conducted by the Sanitation Districts¿ San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory. The first toxicity test was initiated on April 18 using grab samples collected from receiving water station RSW-002 on April 17, 19, and 22 and failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with a 23.0% reproduction effect and 0% survival effect in the undiluted receiving water sample. The second toxicity test was initiated on April 26 using grab samples collected from receiving water station RSW-002 on April 25, 26, and 29 and failed the TST with a 21.9% reproduction effect and 5.6% survival effect in the undiluted receiving water sample. The receiving water median monthly summary result was exceeded because these two tests failed the TST within the same calendar month.
The Long Beach WRP monthly effluent compliance test was initiated on April 11 using 24-hour final effluent composite samples collected on April 10, 12, and 15 and passed the TST with a 12.4% reproduction effect and 10.0% survival effect in the undiluted effluent.
There were no obvious causes for the toxicity observed in the receiving water station RSW-002 (R-A) toxicity test initiated on April 18. This incident was investigated further and additional details are provided in separate 5-day and 30-day reports sent to the Regional Board on May 8 and June 7, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1130725 |
04/02/2024 |
CAT1 |
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Daily Maximum limit is 1000 mg/L and reported value was 1010 mg/L at EFF001 WRR. |
Per Section A.2 of the WRRs, the daily maximum total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of the recycled water shall not exceed 1,000 mg/L. On April 2, the recycled water TDS result was 1,010 mg/L, which exceeded the limit. LBWRP operations were normal at the time of the exceedance and no direct cause for the exceedance could be determined. However, there were heavy rains the days prior that may have contributed to the high turbidity result. On March 30, Coyote Creek River Gauging Station F354-R measured substantial storm runoff at 3,450 cfs. Per the LBWRP NPDES Permit, wet weather conditions apply above a daily maximum flow of 156 cfs. The April 2 composite sample was collected from April 1 at 7 a.m. to April 2 at 7 a.m.; therefore, the high TDS may have been a caused by high TDS storm water infiltration into the sewer collection system resulting in high influent TDS. The Sanitation Districts will continue to monitor water quality in the recycled water and, if necessary, will investigate and examine additional possible sources. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123165 |
10/18/2023 |
Surface Water |
Per Section 5.1.21 of the WDR, there shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters as a result of wastes discharged. The Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity test initiated for receiving water station RSW-002 on October 11 failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with a 30.3% reproduction effect and 60.0% survival effect in undiluted receiving water. Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified via voicemail at 4:44 p.m. on October 18, followed by written notification on October 23. High total chlorine residual from Long Beach WRP was initially reported as a potential source of the receiving water toxicity. Upon further review of the Long Beach WRP final effluent chlorine residual monitoring data from October 13, the source of the receiving water toxicity is unknown . Biological observations were conducted immediately, noting the presence of fish and birds, with no negative impacts observed. Two subsequent chronic toxicity compliance samples were taken in October and passed the TST (see details in the Receiving Water section below). Effluent toxicity samples for the month of October passed the TST with a -1.3% reproduction effect and -5.3% survival effect. |
Per Section 5.1.21 of the WDR, there shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters as a result of wastes discharged. The Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity test initiated for receiving water station RSW-002 on October 11 failed the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) with a 30.3% reproduction effect and 60.0% survival effect in undiluted receiving water. Dr. Jeong-Hee Lim, Chief of the Watershed Regulatory Section, was immediately notified via voicemail at 4:44 p.m. on October 18, followed by written notification on October 23. High total chlorine residual from Long Beach WRP was initially reported as a potential source of the receiving water toxicity. Upon further review of the Long Beach WRP final effluent chlorine residual monitoring data from October 13, the source of the receiving water toxicity is unknown . Biological observations were conducted immediately, noting the presence of fish and birds, with no negative impacts observed. Two subsequent chronic toxicity compliance samples were taken in October and passed the TST (see details in the Receiving Water section below). Effluent toxicity samples for the month of October passed the TST with a -1.3% reproduction effect and -5.3% survival effect. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1120978 |
07/31/2023 |
DMON |
Per Section 8.1.1 of the MRP, chloride shall be monitored monthly at RSW-002. In July, a chloride sample was not taken at RSW-002 due to a sample scheduling error. The monthly effluent chloride sample in July was 155 mg/L, which is below the monthly average effluent limit and Basin Plan recommended objective of 230 mg/L. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly so that this sampling event will not be missed in the future. A make-up sample was taken in September and the result will be included in that month¿s report. |
Per Section 8.1.1 of the MRP, chloride shall be monitored monthly at RSW-002. In July, a chloride sample was not taken at RSW-002 due to a sample scheduling error. The monthly effluent chloride sample in July was 155 mg/L, which is below the monthly average effluent limit and Basin Plan recommended objective of 230 mg/L. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly so that this sampling event will not be missed in the future. A make-up sample was taken in September and the result will be included in that month¿s report. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1116655 |
02/19/2023 |
DMON |
Per Section 4.1 of the MRP, effluent samples shall be analyzed daily for total coliform. Results from effluent samples collected on February 19 and 20 were invalid because laboratory personnel did not analyze the total coliform samples within the specified time frame required by the method. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff reviewed the standard operating procedure and were reminded of the time requirement for total coliform analysis. |
Per Section 4.1 of the MRP, effluent samples shall be analyzed daily for total coliform. Results from effluent samples collected on February 19 and 20 were invalid because laboratory personnel did not analyze the total coliform samples within the specified time frame required by the method. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff reviewed the standard operating procedure and were reminded of the time requirement for total coliform analysis. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1116735 |
02/19/2023 |
DMON |
Total Coliform: Per the recycled water monitoring requirements of the MRP, effluent samples shall be analyzed daily for total coliform. Results from effluent samples collected on February 19 and 20 were invalid because laboratory personnel did not analyze the samples within the specified time frame required by the method. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff reviewed the standard operating procedure and were reminded of the time requirement for total coliform analysis.
|
Total Coliform: Per the recycled water monitoring requirements of the MRP, effluent samples shall be analyzed daily for total coliform. Results from effluent samples collected on February 19 and 20 were invalid because laboratory personnel did not analyze the samples within the specified time frame required by the method. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff reviewed the standard operating procedure and were reminded of the time requirement for total coliform analysis.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1116734 |
01/14/2023 |
OEV |
Turbidity 1-Hour Average (Mean) limit is 5 NTU and reported value was 10 NTU at EFF001 WRR. |
Turbidity
Per Provision B.2 of the WRR, treated wastewater should not exceed an average operating turbidity of 2 turbidity units or 5 turbidity units more than 5 percent of the time within a 24-hour period.
On January 14, at 2:04 p.m., the Long Beach WRP experienced remarkably high storm flows with influent flows exceeding 30 million gallons per day (MGD). Due to these elevated flows, secondary effluent turbidity began to increase and resulted in increased loading on the filters. Around 5:00 p.m., the plant began to experience elevated final effluent turbidity with levels reaching 5 NTU at 5:12 p.m. and 10 NTU at 5:27 p.m. The high flow to the filter subsequently caused the backwash recovery wet-well to overflow at 10:16 p.m., which flooded the filter gallery which houses control panel 12 (CP-12) and caused a loss of signal from the turbidity meters and flow meters.
Between 5:12 pm and 10:15 pm (when the turbidity meter lost signal) on January 14, high flows caused the effluent turbidity limits to be exceeded. Per the available metered data, final effluent turbidity exceeded 5 NTU units more than 5 percent of the time (72 minutes). At 3:00 a.m., the final effluent turbidity meter was manually read with a result of 4 NTU recorded.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1115364 |
01/14/2023 |
OEV |
Turbidity Instantaneous Maximum limit is 10 NTU and reported value was 10 NTU at EFF-001A. |
Per section 4.1.1e of the WDR, the treated wastewater should not exceed an average of 2 Nephelometric turbidity units (NTUS) within a 24-hour period, (b) 5 NTU more than 5 percent of the time (72 minutes) within a 24-hour period, and (c) 10 NTU at any time.
At 2:04 p.m. on January 14, the Long Beach WRP experienced remarkably high storm flows with influent flows exceeding 30 million gallons per day (MGD). Due to these elevated flows, secondary effluent turbidity began to increase and resulted in increased loading on the filters. Around 5:00 p.m., the plant began to experience elevated final effluent turbidity with levels reaching 5 NTU at 5:12 p.m. and 10 NTU at 5:27 p.m. At approximately 7:41 p.m., the plant coincidentally experienced an unexpected power dip that caused the plants influent pumps to shut down. The influent pumps were restarted and returned to service at 7:51 p.m., but the elevated flows raised the influent wet well levels and caused debris accumulation in the filters.
Between 5:12 pm and 10:15 pm on January 14, high flows caused the effluent turbidity limits to be exceeded. Per the available metered data, final effluent turbidity on January 14 between 5:12 pm and 10:15 pm (when the turbidity meter lost signal) exceeded 5 NTU units more than 5 percent of the time (72 minutes). In addition, per the available metered data, final effluent turbidity exceeded 10 NTU on January 14 sporadically from approximately 5:27 pm to 7:22 pm.
In accordance with Section 6.1.2.y. and Attachment D Section 5.5.1. of the permit, respectively, upon having knowledge of the associated turbidity exceedance, the Sanitation Districts notified the Regional Board (Ms. Jeong-Hee Lim) via voice message on January 18 at 4:06 p.m. Written notification to the Regional Board was given on January 20, 2023. More detailed information on this exceedance can be found in the January 20, 2023 letter.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1108188 |
06/30/2022 |
DMON |
Per Section 8.1.1 of the MRP, chloride shall be monitored monthly at RSW-002. In June, chloride samples were not taken at RSW-002 due to a scheduling error. This scheduling error was associated with the new monitoring and reporting requirements of Order R4-2022-0032, which became effective in April 2022. The monthly effluent chloride sample in June was 156 mg/L, which is below the monthly average effluent limit and Basin Plan recommended objective of 230 mg/L. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly so that this sampling event will not be missed in the future. |
Per Section 8.1.1 of the MRP, chloride shall be monitored monthly at RSW-002. In June, chloride samples were not taken at RSW-002 due to a scheduling error. This scheduling error was associated with the new monitoring and reporting requirements of Order R4-2022-0032, which became effective in April 2022. The monthly effluent chloride sample in June was 156 mg/L, which is below the monthly average effluent limit and Basin Plan recommended objective of 230 mg/L. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly so that this sampling event will not be missed in the future. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1107036 |
05/31/2022 |
DMON |
Per Section 8.1.1 of the MRP, chloride shall be monitored monthly at RSW-002. In May, chloride samples were not taken at RSW-002 due to a scheduling error. This scheduling error was associated with the new monitoring and reporting requirements of Order R4-2022-0032, which became effective in April 2022. The monthly effluent chloride sample in May was 181 mg/L, which is below the monthly average effluent limit and Basin Plan recommended objective of 230 mg/L. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly so that this sampling event will not be missed in the future. |
Per Section 8.1.1 of the MRP, chloride shall be monitored monthly at RSW-002. In May, chloride samples were not taken at RSW-002 due to a scheduling error. This scheduling error was associated with the new monitoring and reporting requirements of Order R4-2022-0032, which became effective in April 2022. The monthly effluent chloride sample in May was 181 mg/L, which is below the monthly average effluent limit and Basin Plan recommended objective of 230 mg/L. Laboratory staff have reviewed their sample collection schedules and have updated those schedules accordingly so that this sampling event will not be missed in the future. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105415 |
03/01/2022 |
DMON |
Per Section IV.A.I and VIII.A.1 of the MRP, effluent and receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for MBAS. Analytical results of samples collected from the effluent on March 1 and receiving water stations RSW-001, RSW-002, RSW-004, RSW-005 and RSW-006 on March 2 are invalid due to data integrity issues. Make-up samples will be collected as soon as possible. Corrective actions to prevent this from recurring include: 1) purchase and implementation of a spectrophotometer that has a reading log and can directly and electronically transfer results to the data management system to assure analytical results are accurately recorded, 2) routine review of analysts¿ adherence to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and 3) additional staff assigned to oversee laboratory activities. |
Per Section IV.A.I and VIII.A.1 of the MRP, effluent and receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for MBAS. Analytical results of samples collected from the effluent on March 1 and receiving water stations RSW-001, RSW-002, RSW-004, RSW-005 and RSW-006 on March 2 are invalid due to data integrity issues. Make-up samples will be collected as soon as possible. Corrective actions to prevent this from recurring include: 1) purchase and implementation of a spectrophotometer that has a reading log and can directly and electronically transfer results to the data management system to assure analytical results are accurately recorded, 2) routine review of analysts¿ adherence to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and 3) additional staff assigned to oversee laboratory activities. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1103052 |
01/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Ammonia, Total (as N) Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 4.1 mg/L and reported value was 4.79 mg/L at EFF-001A. |
Per Section IV.A.1 of the WDR, the monthly average limit for ammonia nitrogen shall not exceed 4.1 mg/L. On January 4, the effluent ammonia nitrogen result was 7.08 mg/L. Per Section VII.C of the MRP if the analytical result of any single sample monitored monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, exceeds the average monthly effluent limitation (AMEL), the Permittee may collect up to four additional samples within the same calendar month. Additional monitoring was performed on January 11, 18, 25, and 28 with results of 3.45, 5.99, 4.78 and 2.67 mg/L, respectively. The monthly average effluent ammonia nitrogen was 4.79 mg/L which was above the AMEL.
During December 29 to 31, the Los Angeles Basin experienced a significant amount of rainfall. The mean Long Beach WRP influent flow is approximately 16 million gallons per day (MGD). On December 30, influent flow to the LB WRP significantly increased by approximately 25% (20 MGD). The heavy rains and higher than usual influent flows resulted in a loss of micro-organisms used in the nitrification process. This resulted in higher than usual levels of ammonia in the effluent. Operational and process changes were made during this month to minimize the ammonia concentration in the effluent while re-introducing additional micro-organisms to aid with the nitrification process. After several changes and adjustments to the process, the ammonia effluent level decreased and continued to trend down toward normal levels.
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Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1099034 |
10/18/2021 |
DMON |
Per SectionVIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for MBAS. The samples collected from RSW-001, RSW-002, RSW-004, RSW-005 and RSW-006 on October 18 were invalid due to the use of an expired MBAS stock check standard in analyses. Make-up samples will be collected in November and the results will be included in the November report. To prevent a re-occurrence of this issue, staff was reminded of the standard validation policy to perform monthly checks of all standards used in analyses to ensure they are not expired. Staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation to minimize human error.
Per Section IV.A.1 and VIII.A.1 of the MRP, effluent and receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for oil and grease. The samples collected from EFF-001, RSW-001, RSW-004, RSW-005, and RSW-006 on October 18 were invalid for oil and grease since the tare weights for the samples were not recorded. As a result, the reportable concentrations for oil and grease at these sampling locations were not accurate. Make-up samples will be collected in November and the results will be included in the November report. To prevent a re-occurrence of this issue, staff were reminded to measure and record the tare weight for each incoming sample received. Laboratory staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation to minimize human error. |
Per SectionVIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for MBAS. The samples collected from RSW-001, RSW-002, RSW-004, RSW-005 and RSW-006 on October 18 were invalid due to the use of an expired MBAS stock check standard in analyses. Make-up samples will be collected in November and the results will be included in the November report. To prevent a re-occurrence of this issue, staff was reminded of the standard validation policy to perform monthly checks of all standards used in analyses to ensure they are not expired. Staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation to minimize human error.
Per Section IV.A.1 and VIII.A.1 of the MRP, effluent and receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for oil and grease. The samples collected from EFF-001, RSW-001, RSW-004, RSW-005, and RSW-006 on October 18 were invalid for oil and grease since the tare weights for the samples were not recorded. As a result, the reportable concentrations for oil and grease at these sampling locations were not accurate. Make-up samples will be collected in November and the results will be included in the November report. To prevent a re-occurrence of this issue, staff were reminded to measure and record the tare weight for each incoming sample received. Laboratory staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation to minimize human error. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1090367 |
03/31/2021 |
DMON |
Missing results for mercury for 001-Q for the quarterly monitoring period ending on March 31, 2019. Used the NODI code H, but no explanation in cover letter or results report in CIWQS. |
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Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1091101 |
03/23/2021 |
DMON |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for BOD5, surfactants (CTAS), turbidity, nitrate nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen. Results from RSW-004 collected on March 23 were canceled because the sample bottle associated with those parameters was improperly labeled. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff were reminded to double check bottle labels prior to analysis. Laboratory staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation. |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for BOD5, surfactants (CTAS), turbidity, nitrate nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen. Results from RSW-004 collected on March 23 were canceled because the sample bottle associated with those parameters was improperly labeled. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff were reminded to double check bottle labels prior to analysis. Laboratory staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1091102 |
03/23/2021 |
DMON |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for total suspended solids and settleable solids. Results from RSW-006 collected on March 23 were canceled because the sample bottle associated with those parameters was improperly labeled. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff were reminded to double check bottle labels prior to analysis. Laboratory staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation. |
Per Section VIII.A.1 of the MRP, receiving water samples shall be analyzed monthly for total suspended solids and settleable solids. Results from RSW-006 collected on March 23 were canceled because the sample bottle associated with those parameters was improperly labeled. To prevent this issue from re-occurring, staff were reminded to double check bottle labels prior to analysis. Laboratory staff are also in the process of implementing a new procedure to improve documentation. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1089985 |
02/12/2021 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Single Sample Maximum limit is 23 CFU/100 mL and reported value was 24 CFU/100 mL at EFF001 WRR. |
Per Section B.2 of the WRR, recycled water used for the 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/100mL 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 24 CFU/100mL on February 12 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 February 12, meeting the requirements in Title 22. Notification of the incident was provided to the Regional Board on February 18 at approximately 4:00 p.m., soon after confirming the exceedance. Because recycled water produced on February 12 met applicable Title 22 disinfection requirements, 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, Long Beach WRP operations staff will continue to closely monitor the disinfection system performance. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1085850 |
11/21/2020 |
DMON |
Per the MRP, recycled water samples shall be analyzed daily for total coliform. Results from the effluent sample collected on November 21 were invalid due to a leak of incubation bath water into the bag containing the sample. On November 21, the recycled water produced at the Long Beach WRP underwent adequate disinfection with normal chlorine dosing and flow; turbidity and other water quality parameters monitored in the plants final effluent were within permit limitations; and the plant was operating under normal conditions for the day. Thus, the coliform levels in the final effluent were likely below permit limitations on November 21. |
To prevent re-occurrence, a senior technician will ensure that all sample bags are properly sealed prior to incubation. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1080317 |
07/16/2020 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 1-Hour Average (Mean) limit is 0 % and reported value was 0 % at EFF-001A. |
A sample was not collected on July 16 at Long Beach WRP for TSS, due to autosampler malfunctions, after both the main and back up samplers were rewired incorrectly with a new signal interface. Therefore, there is no TSS result for the effluent on July 16. This issue has been resolved. |
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: 26
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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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CAT1 = Category 1 Pollutant (Effluent Violation for Group 1 Pollutant)
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CTOX = Chronic Toxicity
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DMON = Deficient Monitoring
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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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